Creating smart probiotics to help fix mitochondrial problems in cells
Engineering Probiotics to Sense and Respond to the Intracellular Redox Imbalances towards Mitochondrial Dysfunction
This study is exploring a new probiotic that could help people with mitochondrial diseases by using special bacteria to fix imbalances in their cells, potentially improving their health and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10861489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a probiotic that can sense and respond to imbalances in cellular redox levels, which are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. By engineering a strain of E. coli, the researchers aim to deliver enzymes that convert lactate to pyruvate, potentially alleviating issues related to mitochondrial diseases. The approach involves using the gut microbiome to facilitate the delivery of these enzymes, addressing challenges such as enzyme degradation and immunogenicity. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment that targets the underlying causes of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals suffering from mitochondrial diseases or conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, or diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to mitochondrial dysfunction may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic approach to treat conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using engineered probiotics is innovative, similar strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction have shown promise in preliminary studies, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jiahe — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Li, Jiahe
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 below.