Sex differences in delayed gut fibrosis after radiation exposure
Official title: Sex differences in delayed development of gastrointestinal fibrosis after acute radiation exposure
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11332821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at why the small intestine and colon develop scar tissue differently in men and women after high-dose radiation exposure, with the aim of finding ways to prevent or lessen this delayed injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $550,427 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI183940-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with exposure to acute radiation who might benefit from future therapies targeting gut fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not exposed to radiation or those not affected by gut fibrosis may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If radiation causes damage to the gut, scar tissue can form later and harm function. The project uses mouse models to study how biological sex influences the long-term fibrosis after radiation and whether Type I interferon signaling plays a protective or harmful role. By comparing male and female mice with a specific genetic background, researchers hope to reveal mechanisms that could lead to sex-specific therapies for radiation-induced gut injury. The findings could guide future human studies and help prepare targeted countermeasures for people exposed to radiation accidents or nuclear events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to sex-specific strategies to prevent or reduce delayed gut fibrosis after radiation exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests sex differences matter in radiation response, but this study probes mechanisms in the gut and Type I interferon signaling.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roper, Jatin — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Roper, Jatin
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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.