Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Chicago received a $770,995 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective February 2, 2026, through November 30, 2029. This research initiative focuses on investigating the role of intestinal epithelial heat shock protein 25/27 (HSP25/27) in mucosal restitution and healing following inflammatory injury to the gastrointestinal tract. The project will generate scientific research and knowledge aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal epithelial cell restitution, with potential applications to inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic colitis, and radiation-induced mucosal injury.

The deliverables under this award consist of basic biomedical research services examining how HSP25/27 promotes intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, maturation, and directional cell movement through interaction with cellular signaling pathways and structural proteins. The research will address three specific scientific aims designed to elucidate the mechanistic pathways by which this heat shock protein integrates host immune and microbial factors essential for mucosal wound healing. The investigation is expected to generate publishable scientific findings and contribute to the knowledge base supporting the development of targeted therapeutic interventions for digestive diseases characterized by mucosal injury and impaired healing.