How the gut senses movement and chemicals

Mechanotransduction in gastrointestinal physiology

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11141836

This research explores how the gut senses movement and chemicals to understand conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141836 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people experience symptoms from gut-brain interaction diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which are often linked to how the gut senses movement. Our goal is to uncover the specific ways the gut's cells and molecules detect these movements in both healthy individuals and those with conditions like IBS. We've found special cells in the gut that are sensitive to mechanical forces, using a channel called Piezo2 to communicate these sensations. This work aims to understand how these cells also respond to food-related chemicals, influencing gut movement and secretion.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of gut-brain interaction diseases, particularly those experiencing symptoms like IBS.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not find this basic science research directly beneficial in the short term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and treat symptoms in gut-brain interaction diseases like IBS.

How similar studies have performed: This proposal builds on extensive preliminary data and prior discoveries about mechanosensitive cells, suggesting a strong foundation for its novel hypotheses.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.