Investigating how intestinal cells grow and divide using special materials

Photoresponsive materials to study matricellular signaling dynamics during crypt formation and fission

NIH-funded research University of Colorado · NIH-11115788

This study is looking at how certain cells in the intestine grow and divide, which is important for keeping your gut healthy, especially if you have conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, and it aims to find new ways to help manage these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11115788 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the dynamics of intestinal cell growth and division, specifically how intestinal stem cells contribute to the formation and fission of crypts in the small intestine. By utilizing innovative photoresponsive materials, the researchers aim to create a controlled environment for studying these processes in vitro. This approach will help uncover the mechanisms behind crypt fission, which is crucial for maintaining intestinal health, especially in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to better manage or treat intestinal disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting the small intestine, such as inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those who do not have conditions related to intestinal cell dynamics may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for intestinal diseases by enhancing our understanding of crypt regeneration.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using innovative materials to study cellular processes, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boulder, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.