Investigating how a specific receptor in the intestines can help relieve visceral pain.
Official title: Targeting visceral pain through intestinal neuropod cell GUCY2C signaling
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10931759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special receptor in the gut might help ease the pain and discomfort for people with constipation-related issues, like IBS-C and chronic constipation, by testing a new treatment that could improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $654,052 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138834-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from visceral hypersensitivity related to conditions like IBS-C or CIC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with visceral pain not related to gut-brain interaction disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on visceral hypersensitivity and pain associated with gut-brain interaction disorders, such as constipation-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). It aims to understand the role of the guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) receptor in alleviating visceral pain by activating specific signaling pathways. The study will explore how GUCY2C agonists can reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions. By examining the mechanisms behind visceral pain relief, the research seeks to develop novel therapeutic options that go beyond current analgesics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce visceral pain and improve the quality of life for patients with gut-brain interaction disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using GUCY2C agonists for pain relief, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
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Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waldman, Scott a — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Waldman, Scott a
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.