Award
NIH Reporter #5P20GM134973-07
The macrophage/tuft cell SUCNR1 axis in neonatal intestinal inflammation
Recipient
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Award Amount
$310,502.00
Ceiling
$310,502.00
Awarded
July 22, 2026
Identifier
5P20GM134973-07
A NIH-funded project investigating the role of the macrophage/tuft cell SUCNR1 axis in neonatal intestinal inflammation to develop targeted therapies for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Description
This project aims to identify interventions that promote healthy intestinal development and microbiome during early life by studying the role of macrophages and tuft cells in mucosal innate immunity, focusing on the SUCNR1 receptor's involvement in inflammation regulation. The hypothesis is that dysregulation of the macrophage/tuft cell SUCNR1 axis contributes to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) pathogenesis. The project will test whether inhibiting macrophage SUCNR1 signaling and expanding tuft cells can protect against NEC-like injury, and whether NEC is associated with increased macrophage SUCNR1 expression and decreased tuft cell numbers. The goal is to develop cell-specific molecular targets for NEC, improving treatment and prophylactic strategies.