Radiation damage to gut immune cells and gut microbes
Official title: Radiation-Induced Paneth Cell Dysfunction
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11355484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people and models to understand how radiation harms gut immune cells and disrupts the gut bacteria, with goals to develop targeted treatments for GI complications after radiation exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $510,592 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI170019-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with radiation exposure or susceptibility to GI ARS, or patients who might contribute biospecimens for related mechanistic studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to radiation or GI-ARS-related conditions are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how exposure to radiation injures the gut’s immune system, especially Paneth cells that defend gut bacteria. Researchers aim to map the pathways of immune dysfunction and how it leads to an unhealthy gut microbiome and spread of inflammation after radiation. The work will test potential immune-targeted countermeasures that could prevent severe GI injury and systemic complications. Findings could guide the development of medicines that protect the gut and reduce illness after radiation exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new medicines that protect the gut after radiation and reduce serious illness.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that gut immune dysfunction and dysbiosis contribute to ARS, but targeted MCMs for GI ARS are still under development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Radhakrishna — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rao, Radhakrishna
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.