Understanding how sugar affects gut stem cells and their repair
The Role of GLUT1 and Glucose in Intestinal Stem Cell Homeostasis and Regeneration
This work explores how a specific sugar transporter, GLUT1, and glucose (sugar) help maintain and repair the stem cells in your intestines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies use special transporters, called GLUTs, to move sugar into cells, which is vital for metabolism. While other transporters are thought to handle sugar absorption in the gut after meals, we believe a different transporter, GLUT1, might be responsible for the basic sugar uptake by intestinal stem cells. These stem cells are crucial for keeping your gut healthy and helping it heal. We want to understand how sugar specifically influences these important cells, as this area is not well understood.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future studies building on this knowledge may seek individuals with intestinal conditions or metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the basic science of gut cell metabolism or those seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to support gut health and regeneration by targeting how intestinal stem cells use sugar.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of glucose transporters is known, the specific involvement of GLUT1 in intestinal stem cell homeostasis and regeneration is a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saeidi, Nima — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Saeidi, Nima
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 below.