Investigating how Piezo proteins affect gut muscle cells
Official title: Piezo-1 & 2’s role in murine intestinal muscularis cells of the SIP syncytium
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11020981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the muscle cells of your intestines help them respond to stretching, which could lead to better treatments for bowel motility disorders that affect how your intestines work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $674,937 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132319-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing bowel motility disorders or bowel obstruction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable bowel function and no history of motility disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Piezo proteins in the muscle cells of the intestines, particularly how they respond to stretching. Bowel motility disorders, which can lead to severe complications like bowel obstruction, are common but not well understood. The study will explore how these proteins help intestinal cells sense stretch and regulate contractions, using advanced techniques to maintain and analyze murine intestinal cells in a controlled environment. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatments for bowel motility issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from bowel motility disorders and related complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of mechanosensors in gut function is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cellular responses to mechanical stimuli.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Martin G — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Martin, Martin G
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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.