Understanding how genetic genes contribute to inflammatory bowel disease in worms and human mini-intestines
Official title: High-throughput functional analyses of the genetic drivers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11378436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing how specific genes linked to inflammatory bowel disease affect gut biology using tiny worms and human-like mini-intestines to uncover mechanisms and potential new targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $233,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140907-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or at-risk families, or patients who contribute tissue samples for organoid studies, to inform understanding of genetic risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without IBD or related conditions may not directly benefit from this specific genetic-function study.
What this research studies
This project uses a high-throughput approach to study genes associated with inflammatory bowel disease by testing their function in C. elegans and then validating findings in human intestinal organoids. The goal is to reveal how genetic changes may lead to persistent gut inflammation and dysbiosis. By comparing results across a simple organism and human-derived tissues, the work may highlight pathways that are relevant to diverse patient populations. The project involves advanced genetic tools and organoid models to translate basic findings toward human relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new genetic pathways to target for therapies and improve understanding of why IBD affects different people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with model organisms and organoids has shown that gene function can influence gut inflammation, supporting the translational potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuel, Buck Sparrow — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Samuel, Buck Sparrow
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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.