Understanding how cells in the colon work together to create rhythmic movements
Defining and modeling the cellular interactions for rhythmic colon motility
This study is looking at how certain cells in your gut work together to help your colon move properly, which is important for digestion, and it aims to find out more about how these movements happen even when there's no food in your system, to help improve understanding of gut problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10920387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular interactions that contribute to the rhythmic motility of the colon, which is essential for digestive health. It focuses on the enteric nervous system and interstitial cells of Cajal, examining how these cells communicate and coordinate to produce motor patterns necessary for moving fecal contents. By utilizing experimental measurements and computer models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind spontaneous rhythmic contractions in the colon, particularly in the absence of fecal matter. This could lead to a better understanding of colonic diseases and dysfunctions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing gastrointestinal motility disorders or related colonic diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with non-gastrointestinal conditions or those without any motility issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for gastrointestinal motility disorders, enhancing patient quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gastrointestinal motility through similar cellular interaction models, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith-Edwards, Kristen Michelle — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Smith-Edwards, Kristen Michelle
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.