Understanding how protein modifications affect gut health and disease

Protein Sialylation and De-Sialyation in Cell Surface Glycoprotein Homeostasis and Disease

NIH-funded research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-11010381

This study is looking at how certain changes in proteins might affect gut health, especially for people with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, by using mice to see how repeated infections can cause ongoing gut inflammation and help find new ways to treat these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11010381 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of protein sialylation, a modification that affects how glycoproteins function in the body, particularly in relation to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and bacterial infections. Using a mouse model that simulates human food poisoning, the study examines how repeated infections with a common bacteria lead to chronic inflammation in the gut. The researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which these infections disrupt protective proteins, potentially leading to conditions like ulcerative colitis. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets for managing gut health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly those with a history of bacterial infections.

Not a fit: Patients with non-inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions or those without a history of bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases and improve gut health for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of protein modifications in disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions bacteria infectionbacterial diseaseBacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.