Proteins that control transport in the gut lining
Small GTP Binding Proteins in Gastrointestinal Mucosa
This project searches for small molecules that change how gut lining cells move important transporter proteins, aiming to help people with intestinal transport problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141207 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are searching for small molecules that block specific interactions between Rab proteins and the motor protein MYO5B that control how proteins are placed on the top (apical) surface of intestinal cells. They will use a yeast two-hybrid screening system to find candidate compounds and then test promising compounds in lab-grown intestinal cells and model systems. The team is focusing on Rab11a- and Rab8a-dependent pathways that manage distinct parts of apical enterocyte trafficking. If compounds restore normal transporter placement in preclinical tests, the work would move toward further development and possible human studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inherited or acquired intestinal disorders caused by mislocalization of apical transporters—such as certain congenital diarrheal diseases linked to MYO5B—or those with chronic malabsorption may be candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are caused by structural bowel damage, active infection, or immune-driven inflammation rather than transporter mislocalization may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new medicines that correct abnormal transporter trafficking in the intestinal lining and reduce chronic diarrhea or malabsorption.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting protein–protein interactions with small molecules has succeeded in other areas, but directly targeting Rab–MYO5B interactions for enterocyte trafficking is largely novel and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldenring, James Richard — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Goldenring, James Richard
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.