Understanding how gut barriers affect inflammation and immune responses
Intestinal epithelial paracellular permeability and immune tolerance
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the gut help keep it healthy and how problems with these proteins might lead to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), with the hope of finding new ways to prevent and treat IBD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056927 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of intestinal epithelial tight junctions in maintaining gut health and how their dysfunction contributes to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). By studying the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which is linked to IBD susceptibility, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that regulate gut permeability and immune responses. The approach includes using animal models to observe the effects of AHR activation and deficiency on colitis severity. The ultimate goal is to develop new prevention and treatment strategies for IBD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Not a fit: Patients with non-inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders or those without any bowel-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve gut health and reduce the severity of inflammatory bowel diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of AHR in gut health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nighot, Prashant — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Nighot, Prashant
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.