Sulfite and mitochondrial function in pediatric ulcerative colitis
Official title: Dysregulation of Epithelial Metabolism and Regeneration by Sulfite Exposure in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11398638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A child-focused project will study how sulfites in the diet affect mitochondria and gut lining cells in kids with ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DK136971-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with ulcerative colitis or healthy pediatric controls who can provide tissue-derived organoids or consent for use of pediatric colon samples.
✕Less likely to help
Children without UC or without access to tissue-derived materials may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses patient-derived colon organoids to see how sulfites influence mitochondrial metabolism and the differentiation of colonic stem cells in healthy children and those with ulcerative colitis. By examining gene activity and chromatin sites related to sulfite processing, researchers aim to identify why sulfites may worsen colon health in UC patients. The study translates laboratory findings from pediatric samples into insights that could guide dietary choices and future therapies for children with UC. Participation would involve contributing tissue samples or consented patient-derived materials collected during clinical care at a pediatric setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform dietary guidelines and future treatments to protect gut health in children with UC.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary pediatric data and organoid models suggest sulfite effects on mitochondria may be relevant, with ongoing research in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ojo, Babajide — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ojo, Babajide
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.