How trypsin becomes activated in pancreatitis
Mechanisms of Trypsin Activation in Pancreatitis
This project looks at how the digestive enzyme trypsin starts working inside the pancreas and how that can trigger pancreatitis in people with or at risk for the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers will use animal models together with human genetic information to test three ways trypsinogen might become active inside the pancreas. They will compare activation caused by the enzyme cathepsin B with self-activation of trypsinogen that can happen when certain gene changes are present. By introducing specific genetic changes and altering cathepsin B activity, the team will track when pancreatitis begins, how severe it gets, and whether age of onset shifts. The work aims to clarify which activation pathway matters most under different genetic scenarios and will relate findings back to human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or hereditary pancreatitis, a family history of pancreatitis, or known trypsinogen gene variants would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose pancreatitis is caused solely by gallstones or alcohol without involvement of trypsin activation may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat pancreatitis and help identify people at higher risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human genetic studies have implicated both cathepsin B and trypsinogen autoactivation but have produced mixed results, so this work addresses an unresolved question.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Geisz-Fremy, Andrea — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Geisz-Fremy, Andrea
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.