Understanding How Gut Cells Absorb Nutrients in Newborns
Investigating Endocytic Mechanisms in Lysosome Rich Enterocytes
This project aims to understand how special cells in a newborn's gut take in and digest food proteins.
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 ID | NIH-11141150 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on special cells in the gut, called Lysosome Rich Enterocytes (LREs), to absorb nutrients, especially in newborns. These cells are very good at taking in and breaking down proteins from food. This work uses zebrafish, which have similar gut cells to humans, to discover the exact ways these cells absorb nutrients so quickly. We want to learn more about the specific processes that allow these cells to take up proteins from the intestine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future applications could benefit newborns with difficulties absorbing nutrients.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing issues with nutrient absorption in infancy would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand and potentially address problems with nutrient absorption in infants.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds upon previous findings that identified key components involved in protein uptake in these specialized gut cells.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagnat, Michel — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bagnat, Michel
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.