Exploring how bacteria influence insulin signaling in animals
Official title: IDENTIFYING MICROBIAL MECHANISMS THAT REGULATE ANIMAL INSULIN SIGNALING
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-10680954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria can help control insulin release, which is important for people with Type 2 diabetes, and it aims to find specific bacteria that could lead to new treatments for better managing the condition.
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 | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,710,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2DK139569-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10680954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing insulin resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Type 1 diabetes or other forms of diabetes not related to insulin resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of intestinal bacteria in regulating insulin release, which is crucial for managing conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Using a novel model organism, C. elegans, the researchers aim to identify specific bacterial strains that can modify insulin signaling in vivo. The study employs advanced techniques such as transposon mutagenesis to pinpoint the bacterial genes responsible for these effects. By engineering probiotics to enhance insulin regulation, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic avenues for diabetes management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new probiotic treatments that improve insulin sensitivity and help manage Type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in metabolic processes, suggesting potential for success in this novel 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.