Understanding how specific neurons in the gut help process food and nutrients.

Neurobiology of Intrinsic Primary Afferent Neurons

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10887558

This study is looking at special nerve cells in the gut that help control how our bodies respond to food, using guinea pigs and mice to learn more about how these cells work and adapt, which could help us understand and treat digestive diseases better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10887558 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs) in the gastrointestinal tract, which play a crucial role in managing the body's response to food intake. By studying these neurons in guinea pigs and mice, the research aims to uncover how different classes of IPANs contribute to digestive functions and adapt to various stimuli. The approach includes advanced techniques like transcriptome analysis and tissue clearing to better understand the morphology and physiology of these neurons. This could lead to insights into how digestive diseases develop and how they might be treated.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from digestive diseases or disorders that may be linked to neural dysfunction in the gastrointestinal tract.

Not a fit: Patients with non-digestive related conditions or those not experiencing gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for digestive diseases by enhancing our understanding of gut neuron functions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding gut neuron functions, but this study aims to provide novel insights into the specific roles of different classes of IPANs.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.
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.