Understanding how the surrounding environment affects intestinal stem cell growth
Official title: The role of the mesenchymal niche in intestinal crypt fission
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11208905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the gut help support and repair intestinal stem cells, which is important for people with inflammatory bowel disorders, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $114,000 |
| NIH project number | 7R03DK138231-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11208905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from inflammatory bowel disorders or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-inflammatory bowel conditions or those under 21 years old may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the mesenchymal niche in the process of crypt fission, which is crucial for the maintenance and repair of intestinal stem cells. By examining how different cell types in the niche communicate and signal to intestinal stem cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate their growth and function. The research involves co-culture assays to analyze the interactions between intestinal stem cells and their surrounding environment, focusing on specific signaling factors that may influence these processes. Patients with inflammatory bowel disorders may benefit from insights gained through this research, as it could lead to improved treatments for conditions characterized by insufficient epithelial repair.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with inflammatory bowel disorders by enhancing epithelial repair mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the niche in stem cell biology, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccarthy, Neil — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Mccarthy, Neil
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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.