Protecting the gut lining after severe surgery or sepsis
Surgical Studies of Gut Permeability
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11293657
This project looks at whether certain circular RNAs influence the gut lining in people with critical surgical illness or sepsis to find ways to stop bacteria and toxins from leaking into the bloodstream.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11293657 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare circular RNA patterns in intestinal tissue from patients with septic shock to those without to identify RNAs linked to gut damage. They will use mouse models lacking or with reduced levels of specific circRNAs (like Cdr1as and ZNF609) and cell cultures to see how changing these RNAs affects tight junction proteins and barrier strength. Outcomes include measurements of bacterial translocation, gut permeability, and levels of key junction proteins. The goal is to combine patient tissue profiling with lab experiments to reveal molecular targets that could protect the gut lining during critical surgical stress.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who have had critical surgical illness or septic shock involving the intestines, particularly those treated at or referred to University of Maryland Baltimore.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions do not involve gut barrier dysfunction or who cannot provide tissue or blood samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets to prevent gut barrier breakdown, reducing infections, organ failure, and deaths after severe surgery or sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and mouse studies indicate circRNAs can affect gut barrier biology, but translating these findings into human treatments remains largely novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, JIAN-YING — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: WANG, JIAN-YING
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.