# Mechanisms and functional role of mitochondria in eosinophilic esophagitis

> **NIH NIH F31** · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · 2024 · $27,974

## Abstract

Project Summary
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic food allergen- and immune-mediated disease that exerts a significant
clinical and financial burden worldwide. Interleukin (IL)-13 is an essential mediator of EoE due to its pleotropic
effects on esophageal inflammation and tissue remodeling. We have identified IL-13 as a critical mediator of
increased mitochondrial mass in esophageal epithelial cells. We further demonstrate that IL-13-mediated
alterations in mitochondrial mass are dependent upon JAK/STAT signaling and contribute to EoE-associated
epithelial remodeling. These findings support our overarching hypothesis that IL-13 in the EoE inflammatory
milieu activates STAT signaling in esophageal epithelium to drive alterations in mitochondrial biology that
promote EoE pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we will define the direct molecular mechanisms through
which IL-13 signaling regulates mitochondrial biology (Aim 1) and the functional significance of these findings
with regard to EoE-associated tissue remodeling (Aim 2). The proposed studies will illuminate the IL-
13/STAT/mitochondria axis as a novel player in EoE pathobiology. The research proposal, coupled with the
tailored training plan, will provide outstanding career and professional development opportunities for the
applicant under the guidance of the co-mentors who have relevant expertise in esophageal biology (Whelan)
and mitochondria (Elrod).

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10996477
- **Project number:** 1F31DK139760-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Jazmyne Jackson
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $27,974
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2025-04-25

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10996477

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10996477, Mechanisms and functional role of mitochondria in eosinophilic esophagitis (1F31DK139760-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10996477. Licensed CC0.

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