Understanding how aging affects intestinal stem cells
Official title: NOVEL DROSOPHILA TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR ORTHOLOG OF BCL11A/BCL11B IS CRUCIAL FOR REGULATING INTESTINAL STEM CELL QUIESCENCE AND PREVENTING GUT DYSFUNCTION DURING AGING
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11164331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain protein affects the behavior of gut stem cells as they get older, using fruit flies to help us learn more about how aging can lead to gut problems, with the hope of finding ways to keep our digestive health better as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Project end | June 5, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DK141194-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing gastrointestinal issues or those interested in the biological mechanisms of aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing age-related gastrointestinal problems or who are younger than the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific transcription factor in regulating the balance between active and quiescent states of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) as they age. Using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model organism, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to dysfunction in ISCs during aging, which can contribute to various diseases. The approach involves genetic screening and bioinformatics analysis to identify key regulatory pathways that may be targeted for therapeutic interventions. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into maintaining gut health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing gut dysfunction and related diseases in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using model organisms like Drosophila to study aging and stem cell regulation, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Tyler — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Tyler
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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.