Identifying biomarkers for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome using stool samples
Official title: Profiling diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) using stool-based RNAs
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11013340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make it easier to diagnose diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by checking stool samples for certain markers, so if you have IBS-D, researchers want to find a simple and non-invasive way to help identify your condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $199,456 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183029-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience symptoms of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other gastrointestinal disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the diagnosis of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by analyzing stool samples for specific RNA biomarkers. The approach involves sequencing RNA from exfoliated gut cells and studying the gut microbiome to identify changes associated with IBS-D. By comparing these findings in patient cohorts against healthy individuals, the researchers hope to develop a non-invasive method for diagnosing and classifying IBS-D, which currently lacks reliable diagnostic tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and non-invasive diagnostic methods for patients suffering from IBS-D.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stool-based biomarkers for gastrointestinal conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Harris H — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Wang, Harris H
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Creating a diary tool to track symptoms of diarrhea in irritable bowel syndrome.
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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.