Bacteria that influence insulin signaling and Type 2 diabetes
Official title: IDENTIFYING MICROBIAL MECHANISMS THAT REGULATE ANIMAL INSULIN SIGNALING
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11455824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study gut bacteria that may change how insulin works in the body, with a focus on diabetes risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,140,000 |
| NIH project number | 4DP2DK139569-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455824 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at risk for Type 2 diabetes who are interested in how gut bacteria might influence insulin biology and potential future probiotic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without gut microbiota-related insulin concerns may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a tiny worm model to screen oceans of gut bacteria to find those that can alter insulin signaling. It will identify the bacterial genes or factors responsible, using cutting-edge genetic methods. The plan includes modifying at least one human probiotic to carry and express a bacterial factor that can regulate insulin signaling, with the goal of understanding new pathways that could be targeted in diabetes care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new bacterial targets or probiotic strategies to help manage or prevent insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work showed environmental bacteria can modulate insulin signaling in a model organism, supporting the validity of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burton, Nicholas O — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Burton, Nicholas O
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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.