Targeting gut-support cells to relieve endometriosis symptoms
The Enteric Glia as a Possible Target for Symptom Relief in Endometriosis
This project looks at whether calming certain gut-support cells can reduce gut pain and inflammation for people with endometriosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ponce School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ponce, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328783 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about work that focuses on enteric glial cells, the support cells for nerves in the gut, and how they may drive gut symptoms in endometriosis. The team uses lab and animal models of endometriosis to see how these cells interact with immune cells, cause inflammation, and contribute to pain. They will test approaches that activate PPARγ (a cellular anti-inflammatory pathway) and non-drug methods like exercise to see if these changes can be reversed. Results will come from tissue studies, immune and molecular measurements, and comparisons to symptom patterns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis who experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or altered bowel habits would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with endometriosis who do not have gastrointestinal symptoms or those seeking immediate clinical treatments may not directly benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new drug or lifestyle approaches that reduce gut pain and inflammation for people with endometriosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show PPARγ activators and exercise can shrink lesions and reduce inflammation, but the specific role of enteric glia in endometriosis is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Ponce, United States
- Ponce School of Medicine — Ponce, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Appleyard, Caroline B — Ponce School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Appleyard, Caroline B
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.