Using nanoparticles to deliver epigenetic treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases
Official title: Nanoparticle-encapsulated Epigenetic Inhibitors for Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11017829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease by using tiny particles to deliver special medicines that can help reduce inflammation in your colon, aiming for a treatment that works better and has fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,543 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176297-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, particularly those who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild forms of inflammatory bowel disease or those who are not experiencing significant symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease by using nanoparticles to deliver bromodomain inhibitors. These inhibitors target a specific protein that plays a key role in inflammation, potentially leading to safer and more effective therapies. The approach involves encapsulating these inhibitors in nanoparticles to ensure they reach the areas of the colon that are inflamed. By utilizing both animal models and human patient samples, the research aims to create a targeted therapy that minimizes side effects while effectively reducing inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and safer treatment option for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted therapies for inflammatory conditions, but this specific approach using nanoparticle-encapsulated bromodomain inhibitors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tian, Bing — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Tian, Bing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Comparative care for IBD in Hispanic patients
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-
Understanding why some people with inflammatory bowel disease fail therapy
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-
Celiac and IBD: unlocking how genes influence disease with DNA methylation
A research project aims to use genetic and epigenetic clues to better understand why celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease affect people differently and how they respond to treatment.
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How genes and DNA changes influence celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
This project looks for DNA changes that alter gene activity to help predict risk, severity, and treatment response for people with celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
-
Understanding what triggers inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases
This study is looking at what causes inflammation in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis who are feeling really well, to help find ways to keep them healthy and prevent flare-ups in the future.
-
Finding ways to block bacterial enzymes that worsen inflammatory bowel diseases
This project looks for new ways to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis by targeting specific enzymes made by gut bacteria.
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.