Immune cells that keep the gut's nerves healthy
Role of Muscularis Macrophages in the Enteric Nervous System
Learning how a type of immune cell in the gut helps protect nerve cells in adults with digestive disorders or aging-related gut problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126659 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are studying muscularis macrophages, immune cells that sit next to the gut's nerves and may help keep them healthy. They will analyze human gut tissue and RNA (including samples from people with slow transit constipation) and use organ-like tissue cultures to see what happens when these macrophages are changed or removed. Mouse experiments and molecular studies will follow to trace signals such as the C1qa gene that macrophages use to support nerves. The team aims to identify pathways that could be targeted to protect or restore nerve function and improve gut movement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic gut motility problems—for example slow transit constipation—or older adults with suspected loss of enteric nerves would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose symptoms are due to structural blockages, acute infections, conditions unrelated to enteric nerve loss, or children under 21 are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that preserve or restore gut nerve function and improve motility in digestive diseases.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new approach with promising preliminary human tissue and lab data, but it has not yet produced clinical therapies.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cipriani, Gianluca — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Cipriani, Gianluca
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.