Understanding how a protein called TET3 works in your gut
Official title: Mechanism of intestinal TET3-mediated DNA oxidation and transcriptional regulation
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-11161509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a specific protein called TET3 helps control gene activity in the gut, which is important for keeping your intestines healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $533,087 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139790-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with intestinal conditions, particularly those involving inflammation or changes in gut cell function, may eventually benefit from the knowledge gained from this fundamental research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions are unrelated to DNA methylation or intestinal epithelial cell function may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
Our bodies have a natural way of turning genes on and off using a process called DNA methylation, which is crucial for healthy cell function, especially in the gut. We know that changes in this process can happen when gut bacteria are present, but we don't fully understand how environmental factors like diet or infections affect it. This project focuses on a protein called TET3, which helps remove these gene-regulating marks, and we believe it protects gut cells from inflammation. By learning more about TET3, we hope to uncover new ways to support intestinal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how to prevent or treat intestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease by targeting the TET3 protein.
How similar studies have gone: While the general concept of DNA methylation is well-established, the specific role of TET3-mediated DNA oxidation in intestinal epithelial physiology is described as largely unexplored, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
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Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Etchegaray, Jean-Pierre — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Etchegaray, Jean-Pierre
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.