Mitochondria's role in gut immune defenses
Mitochondrial Mechanisms Promoting Innate and Intestinal Immunity
This project looks at how mitochondria (the cell's powerhouses) influence immune reactions in the gut for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290324 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my point of view as a patient, researchers are examining how mitochondria in immune and gut cells change the way the body responds to bacteria and other triggers in IBD. They work with human immune cells (like macrophages) and measure metabolic shifts, reactive oxygen species, ER stress, mitochondrial DNA release, and activation of the cGAS–STING signaling pathway. The team links genes found in people with IBD to these mitochondrial and immune changes to understand why inflammation becomes unbalanced. Their lab-based approach could reveal specific mitochondrial steps to target for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) who can provide blood or tissue samples for laboratory study.
Not a fit: People without IBD or those seeking an immediate change in clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce harmful gut inflammation by targeting mitochondrial-driven immune signals.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked mitochondrial dysfunction and cGAS–STING signaling to inflammation, but turning those findings into proven treatments is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraham, Clara — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Abraham, Clara
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 below.