Improving recovery from radiation damage in the intestines
Official title: Mitigation of gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome by promoting clusterin-mediated intestinal regeneration
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11015450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called Clusterin can help the intestines heal after they've been hurt by radiation, which can happen in situations like nuclear accidents, and the goal is to find new ways to help people recover better from radiation-related injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | December 2, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $515,326 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AI186969-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, such as in nuclear accidents or warfare.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or who have other unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the intestines can heal after being damaged by radiation, which can occur during nuclear accidents or warfare. The team is investigating a protein called Clusterin that plays a crucial role in the regeneration of intestinal cells after radiation exposure. By exploring the mechanisms behind this process, they aim to develop new treatments that could help patients recover from acute radiation syndrome more effectively. The research involves both laboratory studies and potential therapeutic applications to promote healing in the intestines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery from radiation-induced intestinal damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar biological pathways to promote healing in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chang-Lung — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chang-Lung
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.