NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how intestinal stem cells communicate to control gut function

Official title: Control of Intestinal Epithelial Function through Lymphatic-Intestinal Stem Cell Communication

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11042767 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the tiny cells in your gut talk to their surroundings to keep your digestive system healthy and how they react when things go wrong, like in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the hope of finding new ways to help people with gut issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$167,617
NIH project number5K08DK132518-04
Project IDNIH-11042767 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases or those experiencing gut-related health issues.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-intestinal related health conditions or those not suffering from any gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the communication between intestinal stem cells and their surrounding environment to understand how they maintain gut health and respond to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The principal investigator, Dr. Rachel Niec, will utilize advanced techniques such as microscopy and transcriptomics to explore how signals from the intestinal niche influence stem cell behavior. By studying these interactions, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for gut-related conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases and other intestinal disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding stem cell behavior in other contexts, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into intestinal health.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Niec, Rachel E — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Niec, Rachel E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.