# CORE C: Biorepository and Tissue Material Characterization Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $41,729

## Abstract

CORE SUMMARY
The overarching hypothesis of this program project grant (PPG) is focused on the role of disordered
esophageal wall mechanics in the pathogenesis of esophageal diseases. Given that the primary purpose of
the esophagus is to transport bolus, a more in depth understanding of fluid dynamics and the strain/stress
relationship of the esophageal wall is crucial to understanding esophageal diseases. Bolus transport
abnormalities are the cause of most esophageal symptoms and complications and this process is highly
dependent on the mechanics of the esophageal wall. Esophageal peristalsis is only a small component of the
bolus transport mechanism in the esophagus and the interplay between bolus accommodation and how it is
propelled through the non-contracting esophagus is likely more important than reduced peristaltic vigor. The
bolus delivered from the oropharynx during swallowing must be accommodated and even minor perturbations
in the mechanical state of the esophageal wall can have dramatic effects on strain/stress relationship. Thus,
we have proposed a PPG focused on developing a comprehensive understanding of how wall distensibility can
alter bolus transport and symptoms. Project 1 will focus on determining the role of IKKβ/NFκB in promoting
reduced distensibility in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and assessing the role of STAT 3 in promoting atrophy
and fibrosis in scleroderma. Human studies will be performed in well-defined phenotypes of EoE and
scleroderma and the Biorepository and Tissue Material Characterization CORE (CORE C) will be crucial in
collecting and preparing the specimens for these studies. Additionally, we will also determine whether the
material properties measured in the Tissue Material Characterization sub-CORE are correlated with activity of
the targets defined during the animal studies in Project 1. CORE C will also be extremely important in
providing crucial information for the mathematical models and Virtual Disease Landscape as the material
properties in normal subjects and various disease states will be important inputs into the models. The
specimens used for the model will be comprised of micro- and macros-scale measurements and tissue will be
obtained through endoscopic biopsies and discarded tissue in post-surgery patients. Although the primary role
for CORE C will be to support Project 1 and Project 3 through the models developed within the Biophysiologic
Modeling Core (CORE B), Projects 2 and 4 will benefit indirectly from CORE C as the data collected will
generate and refine the mechanical biomarkers in the models to predict bolus transport and symptom severity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9964804
- **Project number:** 5P01DK117824-03
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Nirmala P Gonsalves
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $41,729
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9964804

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9964804, CORE C: Biorepository and Tissue Material Characterization Core (5P01DK117824-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9964804. Licensed CC0.

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