Understanding how gut cells affect abdominal pain
Official title: Enteric glia and visceral pain
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11037989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your gut might be linked to abdominal pain, especially for people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, and it aims to find new ways to help relieve that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $454,135 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK120862-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic abdominal pain, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with abdominal pain not related to visceral hypersensitivity or those with other gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of enteric glia, a type of cell in the gut, in causing abdominal pain, particularly in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. The study aims to uncover how these cells communicate with pain-sensing nerve fibers and how this interaction is influenced by factors such as inflammation and early life experiences. By using advanced imaging techniques and specific animal models, the researchers will explore how these mechanisms differ between sexes and under various conditions. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets for treating visceral pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of glial cells in pain mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gulbransen, Brian D. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Gulbransen, Brian D.
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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.