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Dysregulation of Epithelial Metabolism and Regeneration by Sulfite Exposure in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis

Award Number: R00DK136971
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES & DIGESTIVE & KIDNEY DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2028

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Dysregulation of Epithelial Metabolism and Regeneration by Sulfite Exposure in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis - PROJECT SUMMARY The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) in children continues to increase yearly. Recent evidence in pediatric UC patients showed significant mitochondrial impairment in the colon tissues. This is important as optimal mitochondrial activity is required for the solemn function of colonic stem cells that replenish the physical barrier of the colon epithelium. Since patients are constantly exposed to environmental factors such as diet, it is critical to reveal the dietary factors that influence mitochondrial function in the colon epithelium as they would be vital in the management of UC in children. Sulfites are endogenous products of several sulfur-containing compounds, and they are also ubiquitous in our diets as preservatives. My preliminary data in colon organoids derived from pediatric patients showed a detrimental role of sulfite on mitochondrial metabolism and differentiation, with worse metabolic outcomes in samples from pediatric UC patients. My analysis of transcriptomic data from 206 children with UC showed that the Mocs1 gene required for downstream clearance of sulfites in the mitochondria is downregulated in the colon of UC patients, suggesting a potential for inefficient sulfite detoxification in the colon. In this study, I will use patient-derived colon organoids to define how sulfites regulate mitochondrial metabolism and differentiation in health and in UC (Aim 1), reveal the sulfite-induced and sulfite susceptibility chromatin sites in the pediatric colon that explains these metabolic and differentiation anomalies (Aim 2), and how sulfites and the loss of epithelial Mocs1 shape colon biology in the complex gut environment in vivo using physiological relevant models (Aim 3). This award will advance my training in disease models of IBD, epithelial biology, and epigenomics as I work toward establishing an innovative career in regenerative nutrition with a focus on pediatric digestive diseases and continue efforts to enhance diverse representation in the biomedical sciences.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $249,000 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM	701 S 20TH STREET	BIRMINGHAM	AL	35294	JEFFERSON	USA	Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research	000	3	8/14/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$249,000
														Subtotal = $249,000

Grand Total All Awards = $249,000

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Dysregulation of Epithelial Metabolism and Regeneration by Sulfite Exposure in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis

Award Number: R00DK136971

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES & DIGESTIVE & KIDNEY DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2028

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