Understanding how gut cells respond to mechanical forces
Official title: Deciphering Ion Channel Mechanisms Underlying Mechanosensitivity in the Gut
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10889525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your gut react to pressure and movement, which is important for keeping your digestion on track, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with gut problems by understanding how these cells work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $485,512 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK103901-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing gastrointestinal motility issues or related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with gastrointestinal conditions unrelated to motility or those not experiencing any symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain cells in the gut respond to mechanical forces, which is crucial for proper gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on the role of ion channels, particularly Piezo channels, in sensing these mechanical changes and how they influence gut movement. By studying the enteric nervous system and its interactions with intestinal cells, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for gastrointestinal disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how gut motility is regulated and how dysfunctions can be addressed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from gastrointestinal motility disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding mechanosensitivity in different tissues, but the specific role of Piezo channels in the gut remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Hongzhen — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Hu, Hongzhen
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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.