What controls the tightness of the lower esophageal sphincter
Official title: Control of motility in the lower esophageal sphincter
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11144488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how specific cells and calcium‑activated channels keep the lower esophageal sphincter tight, which could help people with reflux or swallowing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $391,605 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129528-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, or a history of Barrett's esophagus are the kinds of patients who might benefit from or be eligible for related future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose symptoms come from causes not related to LES tone, such as acid sensitivity without reflux or structural abnormalities elsewhere, may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers use mouse models and lab techniques to study how interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and Ano1 calcium‑activated chloride channels create baseline tone in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). They compare normal mice to animals that lack ICC and measure muscle electrical activity, calcium signals, and responses to relaxation signals like nitric oxide. The team manipulates Ano1 activity and records how those changes affect LES tightness and function. The goal is to map the cellular and molecular steps that keep the LES closed between swallows.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to improve LES function and reduce reflux, swallowing problems, and downstream risks such as Barrett's esophagus.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal and lab studies have linked ICC and Ano1 to smooth muscle excitability, but applying these findings specifically to LES tone is a newer and still-developing area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cobine, Caroline Ann — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Cobine, Caroline Ann
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.