Understanding how gut cells respond to bacteria
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of intestinal tuft cells
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-10994224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells in your gut, called tuft cells, work with bacteria to keep your immune system balanced and your gut healthy, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with intestinal diseases like Crohn's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $627,541 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK137771-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from Crohn's disease or other intestinal disorders who may benefit from improved understanding and treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-intestinal related conditions or those not affected by Crohn's disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specialized cells in the intestine, known as tuft cells, interact with bacteria to regulate immune responses and maintain gut health. The study focuses on the role of epigenetics, which involves changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, in controlling tuft cell development and function. By examining how different bacteria and their metabolites influence these cells, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for intestinal diseases like Crohn's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve gut health and manage conditions like Crohn's disease more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in intestinal health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alenghat, Theresa — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Alenghat, Theresa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Accelerating Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevention in Uganda
A program to find people with rheumatic heart disease in Ugandan communities and give them preventive care close to home.
-
Enhanced surveillance network to track childhood vaccines and viral infections in kids
A nationwide pediatric surveillance network will closely watch how common viruses and vaccines affect children’s health, using standard protocols at hospital and ED sites.
-
Advancing CNS drug delivery through epigenetic tweaks
A medical research project aims to help people with lysosomal storage disorders by improving how treatments reach the brain.
-
Spina Bifida Registry for Better Clinic Care
A national registry project aims to improve care for people with spina bifida by collecting and sharing data from multidisciplinary clinics to guide evidence-based practices.
-
Hydroxyurea to help children with sickle cell anemia in Africa
A pediatric study tests hydroxyurea treatment for young children with sickle cell anemia in several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and improve health.
-
Hydroxyurea for Children with Sickle Cell in Africa
A pilot study tests hydroxyurea in young children with sickle cell disease across several African countries to see if it can reduce illness and hospital visits.
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.