PTPN2 and the gut barrier: how genetics shape bowel health
Official title: A Novel Role for PTPN2 in Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Regulation
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11377071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist is studying how changes in a gene called PTPN2 affect the lining of the gut and its microbes, to help people with conditions like celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2012 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $523,224 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK091281-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for autoinflammatory gut diseases (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes) who may benefit from therapies targeting gut barrier integrity or microbial balance.
✕Less likely to help
People without autoinflammatory gut conditions may have little direct benefit from these mechanistic findings.
What this research studies
This project looks at how loss of PTPN2 changes gut barrier function and the gut microbiome in mice, and whether these changes make colitis worse or slower to recover. It also examines Paneth cells in the intestine and how their antimicrobial peptides are affected, which could influence infection risk. By linking genetic changes to microbial shifts and mucosal defense, the work aims to reveal how PTPN2 acts as a microbial modulator in autoinflammatory diseases. The study uses animal models to understand mechanisms that may translate to human conditions such as IBD, celiac disease, and brittle diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide new strategies to protect the gut barrier and reduce disease flares in patients with autoinflammatory intestinal disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work shows that PTPN2 influences gut microbiota and intestinal defense, supporting the relevance of this pathway, though translation to humans requires further study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccole, Declan — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Mccole, Declan
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.