Tiny hair-like microvilli on gut cells and how they affect intestinal health
Contributions of the enterocyte brush border to intestinal health and disease
Researchers are looking at how tiny finger-like projections on gut cells (microvilli) influence digestion and conditions like Crohn's disease to help people with intestinal problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11380595 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work examines the brush border — the microvilli-covered surface of intestinal cells — using tissue samples from patients, detailed imaging, and mouse models to see what controls microvillus length and maturation. The team combines analysis of human biopsy specimens with experiments in mice where genes or diets are changed to replicate short microvilli. They compare samples from people with Crohn's disease to those without inflammation to find patterns linked to worse outcomes like strictures. The goal is to pinpoint mechanisms that might be reversible so future treatments can restore normal brush border structure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Crohn's disease, especially involving the ileum, who are having biopsies or intestinal surgery and can donate tissue for research.
Not a fit: People without intestinal disorders or whose symptoms come from non–brush border causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to ways to predict who is at risk for treatment-resistant Crohn's and to therapies that restore healthy gut lining function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows that inherited brush border disorders cause severe diarrhea and that a subset of Crohn's patients have abnormally short microvilli, so this project builds on established observations but seeks new mechanistic insights.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vandussen, Kelli Lynn — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Vandussen, Kelli Lynn
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.