Investigating the role of septins in intestinal fibrosis related to Crohn's disease
Official title: Septins in intestinal fibrosis
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11097226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins called septins affect the way cells involved in Crohn's disease create scar tissue in the intestines, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat blockages caused by this scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,078 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132038-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Crohn's disease who are experiencing or at risk of developing intestinal fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Crohn's disease who do not exhibit signs of fibrosis or those with other unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how septins, which are proteins involved in cell structure, contribute to intestinal fibrosis in patients with Crohn's disease. The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which these proteins affect the behavior of myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis, and how they respond to growth factors like TGF-β1. By using both pharmacological and genetic approaches, the researchers will assess how disrupting septin function can influence fibrosis development in laboratory models. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating intestinal obstruction caused by fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that specifically target intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's disease patients, potentially reducing the need for surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of septins in intestinal fibrosis is not extensively studied, preliminary evidence suggests that targeting septins may have therapeutic potential, indicating a novel approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rieder, Florian — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Rieder, Florian
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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.