Relief for gut pain by targeting GUCY2C signals in intestinal nerve cells
Targeting visceral pain through intestinal neuropod cell GUCY2C signaling
This project uses drugs that activate the GUCY2C receptor on intestinal nerve cells to reduce gut pain in people with constipation‑predominant IBS or chronic idiopathic constipation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138599 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may have gut pain from conditions like constipation‑predominant IBS or chronic idiopathic constipation, and this research focuses on a gut receptor called GUCY2C found on special intestinal nerve (neuropod) cells. The team will use laboratory models and existing GUCY2C‑activating drugs (for example linaclotide or plecanatide) to see how activating this receptor changes nerve firing that causes visceral hypersensitivity. They will study how those signals travel to spinal cord sensory neurons and whether turning on GUCY2C lowers the nerve activity that produces pain. The goal is to understand the nerve‑cell mechanism so treatments can more directly target bowel pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with constipation‑predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‑C) or chronic idiopathic constipation who experience bothersome visceral/bowel pain.
Not a fit: People whose abdominal pain is caused by other conditions (such as inflammatory bowel disease, infection, or non‑gut sources) or those without constipation‑related pain may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new or better treatments that specifically reduce visceral pain in people with IBS‑C and chronic constipation.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that GUCY2C agonists like linaclotide and plecanatide can relieve gut pain in patients and in animal models, but the precise nerve‑cell mechanisms targeted here are still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waldman, Scott a. — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Waldman, Scott a.
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.