Understanding how time and gut bacteria influence mucus production
Official title: A new regulator of mucus production integrating temporal and microbial cues
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10903486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut and our body's natural clock work together to control mucus production in the intestines, which could help us find new ways to treat digestive issues like colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DK139723-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from colitis or other digestive diseases linked to mucus production.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with digestive disorders unrelated to mucus production or those not experiencing symptoms of colitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the gut microbiome and the body's internal clock in regulating mucus production in the intestines. By studying mice, the researchers aim to identify how changes in microbial populations and timing affect gut health and contribute to conditions like colitis. The project utilizes advanced techniques such as transcriptomics to analyze gene expression patterns related to mucus production. The ultimate goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets for treating digestive diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for colitis and improve gut health by targeting the mechanisms that regulate mucus production.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in digestive health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liou, Megan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Liou, Megan
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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.