Understanding gut issues in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Down Syndrome
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10791239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the gut works in people with Down syndrome, using mice that have a similar condition, to find out why their intestines move more slowly and how we can help improve their digestive health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $232,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD114125-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome, particularly those experiencing gastrointestinal issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those not experiencing gastrointestinal dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates gastrointestinal dysfunction in individuals with Down syndrome, focusing on how the enteric nervous system and smooth muscle cells interact to control gut motility. By using a mouse model that mimics Trisomy 21, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind reduced colonic motility observed in these individuals. The researchers will explore the role of ionic conductances and oxidative stress in affecting gut function, which could lead to better understanding and management of gastrointestinal issues in patients with Down syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for gastrointestinal dysfunction in individuals with Down syndrome, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the enteric nervous system can lead to significant insights into gastrointestinal disorders, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akbarali, Hamid I — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Akbarali, Hamid I
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
-
DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.