Learning how BEST4+ gut cells form and help the intestine
Official title: Understanding the development and function of a newly discovered intestinal cell type
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11505172 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a special gut cell called BEST4+ develops and whether losing these cells plays a role in inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD115786-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11505172 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) are the group most likely to benefit from findings about BEST4+ cell loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose intestinal problems are unrelated to BEST4+ cell loss or who have non-IBD gut conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory work.
What this research studies
Researchers will use zebrafish (since mice lack BEST4+ cells) and remove BEST4+ cells to watch how the intestine responds. They will read gene activity in individual cells using single-cell RNA sequencing to see which cell types change and which genes are involved. The team will also measure intestinal features such as pH, barrier strength, and inflammation as signs of disease. Finally, they will change specific genes predicted to control BEST4+ cell function to learn which ones are critical for keeping these cells and the gut healthy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal whether protecting or restoring BEST4+ cells might prevent or improve inflammatory bowel disease and point to new treatment targets.
How similar studies have gone: Single-cell profiling has predicted roles for BEST4+ cells, but direct functional studies are limited, so this experimental approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sur, Abhinav — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Sur, Abhinav
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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.