Effects of stress on the bacteria and health of the larynx

Investigating the effects of psychosocial stress on laryngeal microbiology and epithelial barrier integrity

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10933446

This study is looking at how stress might change the bacteria in the throat and affect its ability to stay healthy, which could help us understand why some people have voice problems when they're stressed.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10933446 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how psychosocial stress affects the microbial communities and the protective barrier of the larynx. By using a mouse model, researchers will induce stress and then analyze changes in the laryngeal microbiome and epithelial integrity. The study aims to understand if stress leads to harmful changes in the types and amounts of bacteria present, as well as how it affects the larynx's ability to protect itself from infections. This could provide insights into the biological mechanisms linking stress and voice problems.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing voice problems who also report symptoms of psychological stress.

Not a fit: Patients without voice problems or those not experiencing psychosocial stress may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing voice problems related to stress.

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of stress on other mucosal organs have been studied, this specific investigation into the laryngeal microbiome is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.