Using light to activate nerve cells in the gut to treat colitis
Official title: Optogenetic activation of enteric cholinergic neurons to treat colitis
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11123467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help kids with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by using light to activate certain nerve cells in the gut, which could reduce inflammation and improve how their digestive system works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 21, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $80,091 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI185293-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions unrelated to inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by activating cholinergic neurons in the gut using optogenetics. The study aims to understand how these nerve cells can help reduce inflammation and improve gut function, especially in children. By stimulating these neurons, researchers hope to develop a new therapy that is effective and well-tolerated, potentially reducing the need for surgery in patients with severe IBD. The methodology involves precise light activation of specific neurons to observe their effects on inflammation and gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, effective treatment for colitis that minimizes the need for surgical interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches in modulating gut inflammation through neural pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahman, Ahmed Ayedur — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rahman, Ahmed Ayedur
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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.