Investigating how specific molecules affect gut health in older adults
Official title: Roles of circHIPK3 and HuR in aging gut barrier function
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10978312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the gut's ability to stay healthy and protect against infections, especially after surgery or injury, and it aims to find ways to help improve gut health in older adults by exploring certain proteins and molecules.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $558,222 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG084613-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be at risk for gut-related complications due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without gut health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how aging impacts the gut barrier function, which is crucial for preventing infections and other complications in older adults. The study will explore the roles of specific RNA-binding proteins and circular RNAs in maintaining gut health, particularly after trauma or surgery. By examining how these molecules influence gene expression and gut cell behavior, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve gut integrity in elderly patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance gut health and reduce the risk of infections in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gut health mechanisms in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Lan — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Lan
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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.