How the natural molecule heme controls REV‑ERB proteins and TH17 immune cells in gut inflammation
Ligand-dependent regulation of the nuclear receptor REV-ERBa in TH17 cell development and inflammation
This research looks at how the natural molecule heme influences REV‑ERB proteins to change TH17 immune cell behavior that can cause gut inflammation like colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of this work as tracing a chemical signal (heme) that may switch on or off a protein called REV‑ERB in TH17 immune cells, which are known to drive gut inflammation. The team will study how heme binds REV‑ERB, which genes and partner proteins get turned on or off, and whether those changes protect or worsen inflammation. Lab experiments will include cell studies and animal models of colitis, and may examine sources of heme such as diet or internal cell production. Together these approaches aim to connect environmental signals to immune cell behavior in the gut.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease or colitis who want to support research into the immune mechanisms behind their condition could be relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or people with conditions not driven by TH17 cells are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from this basic research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or reduce TH17‑driven gut inflammation, potentially leading to diet guidance or drugs targeting REV‑ERB signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show REV‑ERB and heme influence metabolism and immune signaling, but applying this pathway specifically to control TH17‑driven colitis is a relatively new and early area of research.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Solt, Laura a — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Solt, Laura a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.