Understanding how certain gut cells absorb nutrients
Official title: Investigating Endocytic Mechanisms in Lysosome Rich Enterocytes
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10992834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how special gut cells help absorb proteins from food, using zebrafish and mice to learn more about how these cells work, which could help improve nutrition for newborns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $555,595 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK137812-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are neonates or infants experiencing difficulties with nutrient absorption or related gastrointestinal issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully functional nutrient absorption and no gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specialized cells in the gut, known as Lysosome Rich Enterocytes (LREs), absorb dietary proteins. By studying zebrafish and mouse models, the research aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms that enable these cells to efficiently internalize nutrients from the intestinal lumen. The approach involves examining the endocytic machinery, particularly focusing on a specific type of clathrin-mediated endocytosis that enhances protein uptake. This could lead to insights into nutrient absorption processes that are crucial for neonatal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of nutrient absorption in infants, potentially leading to better dietary recommendations or treatments for feeding-related issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding nutrient absorption mechanisms in similar models, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagnat, Michel — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bagnat, Michel
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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.