Immune Mechanisms Behind Achalasia
Official title: Immune Mechanisms In Achalasia
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11454811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how the immune system may drive achalasia and scarring in the esophagus, with findings possibly guiding new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $96,150 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DK145962-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with achalasia or related esophageal conditions who can donate tissue samples or participate in related studies may be suitable.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to tissue donation or those not meeting study criteria may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Achalasia is a serious swallowing disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t relax properly. This project will map immune signals in esophageal tissue and test how these signals influence fibrosis and muscle function in the lab. Researchers will use patient tissue to measure immune activity and perform experiments on smooth muscle cells to see how different immune cues affect disease pathways. The work aims to connect immune changes with how the esophagus behaves and identify potential targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal immune targets that lead to new treatments to reduce inflammation and fibrosis in achalasia.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work has suggested immune involvement in achalasia, and this study builds on that by using human tissue and functional assays to advance understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Anand Sagar — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Jain, Anand Sagar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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PRECISION MEDICINE IN ACHALASIA: PREMEDIA
A patient-centered project to understand and improve treatments for achalasia and related esophageal disorders using precise, tailored approaches.
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Investigating the role of fibrosis in the lower esophageal sphincter for achalasia patients
This study is looking at how thickening and scarring of muscle tissue affects swallowing in people with achalasia, and it aims to find new treatment options to help improve their condition.
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Improving treatment for achalasia using a new endoscopic technique
This study is looking at a new procedure called POEM to see how well it helps people with achalasia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult, and it will compare different techniques to find the best way to improve treatment for patients.
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Full-thickness vs progressive myotomy in POEM for achalasia
This trial tests whether a full-thickness myotomy during POEM works better than a partial, progressive approach for people with achalasia, to see which method better relieves symptoms with fewer side effects.
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Impact of Patient Position on EndoFLIP Measurements in Kids and Young Adults
This study tests whether EndoFLIP measurements differ when patients are in the supine versus left-side position during the procedure.
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A registry for adults with esophageal movement and reflux problems.
This project will collect esophageal function tests (manometry, pH-impedance, FLIP) and clinical data from adults with reflux or swallowing symptoms to see if combining these results helps guide diagnosis and long-term care.
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.