Understanding how the gut prevents harmful signals from spreading to other organs
Gut region-specific mechanisms that limit dissemination of microbial signals from the intestine
This work explores how the gut's protective systems keep microbial signals from reaching and harming distant organs like the liver and lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our gut is amazing at absorbing nutrients while also keeping harmful substances from our microbiome contained. This project looks at the special ways blood and lymphatic vessels in the gut work to stop microbial signals from traveling to other parts of the body. We know that problems in this process can lead to conditions like liver damage from alcohol or other causes, and even lung issues. By understanding these protective mechanisms better, we hope to make treatments for gut-related diseases safer and more effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to patients with conditions like alcoholic or nonalcoholic liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or lung damage potentially linked to gut health.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat organ damage, such as liver or lung injury, that starts with problems in the gut.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of gut-organ communication is known, the specific protective mechanisms against microbial signal dissemination remain incompletely understood, suggesting this approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Randolph, Gwendalyn J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Randolph, Gwendalyn J
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.