Investigating the role of a specific protein in gut function and motility
Official title: Isoform- and Sex-Specific Functions of CGRP in Gastrointestinal Motility
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11085970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CGRP influences how our digestive system works, especially in relation to conditions like constipation, and it aims to find out more about how this affects men and women differently to help improve treatments for gut issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $666,831 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135707-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing gastrointestinal motility disorders, such as constipation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with gastrointestinal issues unrelated to motility or those not affected by CGRP signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) affects the movement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It aims to identify the specific neurons that release a variant of CGRP and to explore how this signaling impacts gut motility in living organisms. By examining differences between sexes and the effects of CGRP on conditions like constipation, the research seeks to uncover important insights that could lead to better treatments for GI disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for gastrointestinal conditions, particularly those related to motility issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding CGRP's role in other conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Meenakshi — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rao, Meenakshi
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.