NIH-funded research R01 grant

Targeting a gut transporter to help relieve constipation in CF and older adults

Official title: Inhibition of an Apical cAMP/cGMP Transporter (MRP4) in the Gut Induces Diarrhea

Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11337500 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aimed at helping people with cystic fibrosis and older adults who have chronic constipation by studying a gut transporter to improve intestinal fluid balance.

More Diarrhea research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project startAugust 20, 2009
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$576,228
NIH project number5R01DK080834-19
Project IDNIH-11337500 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

CF patients with chronic constipation and older adults experiencing persistent constipation.

Less likely to help

Individuals without CF or constipation may not directly benefit from this study.

What this research studies

This project explores how blocking a specific gut transporter might restore fluid balance in the intestines of people with CF-related constipation and in the general aging population. Researchers will use stem-cell–derived intestinal cells from CF patients with constipation to study how CFTR and MRP4 interact and influence fluid secretion. The goal is to identify a way to target this transporter complex to ease constipation symptoms and improve gut function. The work builds on previous findings to understand signaling pathways and how secretory mechanisms might be restored in these groups.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new treatments that ease chronic constipation for CF patients and older adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous data suggest related transporter interactions affect gut secretion, but this exact approach is exploratory.

Where this research is happening

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Naren, Anjaparavanda P — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Naren, Anjaparavanda P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.