TSGE Research Grant
Where the Funding Went
Progress reports from every TSGE Research Grant recipient
Each year TSGE awards a $10,000 research grant to junior gastroenterology and hepatology faculty in Texas. Recipients report back on their work, and those reports are collected here — from projects still enrolling patients to one now published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Last Updated
September 2026
Grant Year 2025–2026
Discovering Novel Predictors of Therapy Response in Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Jianyi Yin, MD, PhD
This project applies a multi-omics approach to identify novel tissue- and blood-based biomarkers that predict response to intravenous corticosteroids and medical rescue therapy in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC).
Progress
51 patients with ASUC enrolled, with colon tissue and blood samples collected. Tissue samples have been submitted for single-cell RNA sequencing, and blood samples have undergone proteomic analysis with data interpretation underway. Preliminary findings are expected to support additional grant applications.
Grant Year 2024–2025
Chronic Loose Stools Following Right-Sided Colectomy for Colon Cancer: Bile Acid Malabsorption and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Anusha Thomas, MD
Colorectal cancer survivors have increased significantly over the last decade, and around 10% report late gastrointestinal effects. Patients with right-sided colectomy and ileo-colonic anastomosis report frequent bowel movements, and the underlying cause is unclear. This study assesses symptoms of colonic dysfunction and quality of life, then examines how those symptoms relate to gut microbial and bile acid profiles using an ingestible intestinal fluid sampling device.
Progress
9 patients recruited, 5 have completed the study. Recruitment and enrollment expected to finish November 30, 2026, with sample analysis and statistical evaluation expected by April 30, 2027.
Published
Grant Year 2023–2024
Comparison of a Novel Bipolar RFA Knife to the Traditional Monopolar Knife in POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy)
Salmaan Jawaid, MD
A multicenter noninferiority randomized controlled trial across three centers compared a bipolar current knife against a monopolar current knife during esophageal peroral endoscopic myotomy. Technical and clinical success were similar between the two groups. Procedure times were slightly shorter with the monopolar knife, but 77% of patients in the bipolar group completed the entire procedure with a single instrument, compared with none in the monopolar group — supporting the conclusion that a three-in-one bipolar radiofrequency knife can facilitate POEM with one device.
Publication
Randomized controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy of a bipolar current knife versus monopolar current knife during esophageal peroral endoscopic myotomy: a multicenter noninferiority study (with video)
Jawaid S, Ramchandani M, Inavolu P, et al.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2026 Mar;103(3):569–572.e3.
Grant Year 2022–2023
Effect of an Automated Clinical Pathway Using Custom Risk Stratification on Rates of Overdue Follow-Up and Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
David Fudman, MD
A pragmatic randomized controlled trial comparing a novel EMR-based tool against standard-of-care practice for improving clinical follow-up in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The tool flags patients overdue for follow-up based on dynamic risk status and time since last evaluation, and those patients are contacted to schedule appointments. Outcomes include proportion of time spent overdue, clinical outcomes, and completion of objective measures of inflammation.
Progress
The 15-month trial began in December 2025.
About the TSGE Research Grant
A $10,000 grant for junior gastroenterology and hepatology faculty in Texas, awarded by the TSGE Academic Task Force.