Award
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 5K08DK143334-02
Smooth Muscle Mechanotransduction: Calcium Dynamics in the Developing Gut
Recipient
University of California at Davis
Award Amount
$164,700.00
Ceiling
$164,700.00
Awarded
June 19, 2026
Identifier
5K08DK143334-02
NIH awarded a K08 grant to Geoanna Bautista for research on mechanosensitive signaling in neonatal gut development, focusing on Piezo1 ion channel's role in intestinal smooth muscle calcium dynamics.
Description
This NIH Mentored Clinician Scientist Development (K08) proposal describes a comprehensive 5-year training plan designed to establish Geoanna Bautista, M.D. as an independent physician-scientist focused on mechanosensitive signaling pathways that contribute to neonatal intestinal dysmotility. The project aims to investigate mechanosensitive regulation driving intestinal maturation, focusing on the Piezo1 ion channel's role in SMC Ca2+ activity during development. Using conditional knockout murine models and advanced imaging techniques, the research will define Piezo1 distribution and its impact on intestinal contractility. The findings will provide mechanistic insights into mechanical regulation during gut development and inform therapeutic strategies for neonatal intestinal dysmotility.