Understanding Intestinal Growth After Surgery

Intestinal Mucosal Growth in Health and Surgical Diseases

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11128766

This research explores how the gut lining grows and repairs itself, especially in patients recovering from major abdominal surgeries and receiving special nutrition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11128766 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many patients face challenges with their gut lining after extensive surgeries, particularly when they rely on intravenous feeding. When the gut lining doesn't renew properly, it can lead to serious infections and organ problems. We are working to understand the natural processes that help the gut lining grow and stay healthy, focusing on specific molecules called RNA-binding proteins and long noncoding RNAs. Our goal is to uncover how these molecules influence gut repair and how we might use this knowledge to help patients recover better.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients who have undergone extensive gastrointestinal surgeries and experience issues with gut healing or rely on total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Not a fit: Patients without critical surgical illnesses or those not experiencing impaired intestinal mucosal growth would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect and heal the gut lining in patients after major surgery, potentially reducing complications like infections.

How similar studies have performed: Our group was among the first to identify the role of specific RNA-binding proteins and long noncoding RNAs in gut mucosal growth, making this a novel area of exploration.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.