A gut bacteria vitamin K link to MS progression
Official title: Modulation of CNS autoimmunity by Akkermansia muciniphila vitamin K metabolism
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11385018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH-funded study will look at how a gut bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila, and its vitamin K production relate to multiple sclerosis progression in people affected by MS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $230,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI194598-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with multiple sclerosis who are willing to provide stool samples and permit genetic analysis of gut bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
People without MS or those who cannot provide stool samples may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you have MS, this project will examine your gut bacteria to see if certain bacteria and their vitamin K byproducts relate to how the disease changes over time. Researchers will use 16S RNA sequencing to profile gut microbes and study how strain differences in Akkermansia muciniphila might influence disease activity. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that connect gut microbes, vitamin K metabolism, and MS progression to guide future therapies. Participation would help scientists understand whether gut health could inform MS treatment decisions down the line.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies that modulate the gut microbiome to influence MS progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows associations between gut microbiota and MS, but this study focuses on strain-level differences and vitamin K metabolism, which is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krementsov, Dimitry N — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Krementsov, Dimitry N
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.