Understanding how the nervous system in the gut develops and functions
Official title: Development and Patterning of the Enteric Nervous System
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10741619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special group of nerves in the gut develops in young mice, focusing on a gene called Taqpep, to help us understand how these nerves affect tummy movements, which could help kids with digestive issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $431,336 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110950-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children, particularly those experiencing gastrointestinal motility issues or neurodevelopmental delays.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established gastrointestinal conditions unrelated to the enteric nervous system or those outside the pediatric age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is crucial for gastrointestinal (GI) motility, particularly in children. It focuses on how enteric neurons are organized into specific patterns and how these patterns relate to GI function. By studying embryonic and neonatal mouse models, the research aims to uncover the role of a specific gene, Taqpep, in the formation of these neuronal patterns and their impact on gut movement. The findings could provide insights into GI motility disorders that affect children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for gastrointestinal motility disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the enteric nervous system, but this specific approach focusing on the Taqpep gene and its implications for GI motility is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaltschmidt, Julia Anna — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Kaltschmidt, Julia Anna
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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.