Understanding how Giardia affects gut healing
Official title: Intestinal Barrier Repair Mechanisms in Giardiasis
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-10903020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Giardia parasite affects the gut and what helps it heal afterward, so we can better understand the long-term health problems it can cause for people who get infected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,605 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI183732-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and individuals who have experienced Giardiasis or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with Giardia or those with unrelated gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of the Giardia parasite on the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for nutrient absorption. It focuses on how Giardia infection leads to damage in the gut and explores the mechanisms that help repair this damage. Using a mouse model, the study aims to uncover how the gut microbiome's metabolites influence the healing process after infection. By understanding these repair dynamics, the research seeks to provide insights into long-term health issues associated with Giardiasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for Giardiasis and better management of its long-term effects on gut health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gut microbiome interactions, but this specific approach to barrier repair in Giardiasis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kosile, Rita Taye — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Kosile, Rita Taye
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
UniProt’s AI-Enhanced Protein Knowledge for Biomedical Research
A large-scale AI-enabled project to expand and improve a global protein knowledgebase to help researchers understand how proteins relate to human health and disease.
-
UniProt uses AI to advance protein knowledge for biomedical research
A large NIH grant uses artificial intelligence to expand and improve a global protein knowledgebase to help understand human health and disease.
-
Multi-omics tools to predict late radiation organ injuries (DEARE-Watch)
Aims to create blood and urine tests that use multiple omics signals to forecast long-term damage to lungs and kidneys after acute radiation exposure, helping patients get early care.
-
National Capital Area NCORP: Expanding Access to Cancer Prevention, Screening, and Care in Underserved Washington DC Area
A community-focused program in the DC area partners with local hospitals to improve cancer prevention, screening, and access to advanced care for underserved populations.
-
Exercise and brain health in older adults with kidney disease
A study to see if a structured exercise program can slow cognitive decline in older adults with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for dementia.
-
AI tools to organize and predict immune-related side effects in cancer therapy
A concrete plan to build AI-powered tools that automatically pull together information about immune-related side effects from cancer immunotherapy to help doctors manage treatment.
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.