Investigating the role of mitochondria in eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: Mitochondria in eosinophilic esophagitis pathogenesis
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11164724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called IL-13 affects the cells in the esophagus of people with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), which could help us find new ways to understand and diagnose this condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $689,971 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136987-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, particularly those experiencing severe symptoms related to food allergies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without eosinophilic esophagitis or those whose condition is unrelated to mitochondrial function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic condition driven by food allergies and immune responses. It examines how the protein interleukin-13 (IL-13) affects mitochondrial function in esophageal cells, potentially leading to inflammation and tissue changes. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these effects and explore the possibility of using mitochondrial changes as biomarkers for EoE. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their condition and new diagnostic tools.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of IL-13 in eosinophilic esophagitis, but the specific focus on mitochondrial biology is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whelan, Kelly a — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Whelan, Kelly a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Esophageal antigen test-guided diet for eosinophilic esophagitis
A small, patient-friendly diet approach using a new esophageal antibody test aims to help people with eosinophilic esophagitis identify foods to avoid without repeated invasive procedures.
-
Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis drives dysregulated innate immunity in esophageal fibroblasts
This project studies why eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic food allergy-related condition, causes lasting changes in the esophagus and how these changes could be treated to prevent scarring and complications.
-
How environmental signals and a receptor may protect or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis
A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
-
Toward personalized care for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis using multimodal biomarkers
A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
-
Role of protective proteins in the esophagus to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
-
Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
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.