Understanding how the gut communicates with the spinal cord
Anatomical and Functional Characterization of Gastrointestinal to Spinal Cord Circuits
This study is looking at how signals from your gut communicate with your spinal cord, focusing on certain nerve cells, to help us understand how we feel different sensations in our stomach, whether they hurt or not, which could improve our overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10900806 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the pathways through which the gastrointestinal (GI) tract sends signals to the spinal cord, focusing on specific neurons known as dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. By examining how these neurons respond to various stimuli and their anatomical connections, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind gut sensations, both painful and non-painful. The research employs advanced techniques such as confocal microscopy to visualize these neurons and their interactions within the spinal cord. This work could lead to a better understanding of GI function and its impact on overall health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues or those interested in the neurological aspects of gut health.
Not a fit: Patients with non-gastrointestinal conditions or those not experiencing any gut-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve treatments for gastrointestinal disorders by enhancing our understanding of gut-brain communication.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding gut-brain interactions, making this research a continuation of established findings.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckenzie, Zachary — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Mckenzie, Zachary
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.