Urothelial Health: Understanding How Skin-Like Bladder Cells Regenerate
Official title: Project-002
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11579834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Columbia University Health Sciences will look at how bladder lining cells repair themselves after injury to find ways to keep the bladder barrier strong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2014 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $299,999 |
| NIH project number | 5U54DK104309-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11579834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with bladder conditions or a history of urinary tract infections who may benefit from improved bladder barrier function in the future.
✕Less likely to help
People without bladder health issues are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models to explore how a key protein, Pparg, guides the renewal of bladder lining cells after damage from chemicals or infections. Researchers will map gene activity and chromatin changes during maintenance and repair using RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq, and CUT&RUN techniques. By understanding which pathways control regeneration, they aim to uncover targets that could help prevent bladder dysfunction and infections in patients. The work involves close collaboration with a core facility to analyze cell-type specific effects in the bladder during urinary tract infection. The overarching goal is to connect basic biology to potential strategies that protect or restore bladder health in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat bladder dysfunction and infections by supporting the bladder’s natural repair processes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that Pparg influences urothelial cell differentiation and repair in animal models, supporting a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mendelsohn, Cathy Lee — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mendelsohn, Cathy Lee
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.