NIH-funded research R01 grant

Exploring how gut bacteria affect nerve damage in diabetes

Official title: Investigating the role of gut extracellular vesicles in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11046549 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how tiny particles from gut bacteria might help protect nerves in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is a common issue for those with diabetes, and it hopes to find new ways to improve nerve health through better gut health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHenry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$512,592
NIH project number5R01DK135970-02
Project IDNIH-11046549 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Less likely to help

Patients without diabetes or those who do not have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of gut-derived extracellular vesicles in the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of diabetes. By analyzing how changes in gut bacteria influence nerve health, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic approaches. The researchers will focus on Lactobacillus-derived extracellular vesicles, which have shown promise in reducing inflammation and protecting nerves in preliminary studies. Patients may benefit from insights into how gut health impacts nerve damage and potential new treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate nerve damage in diabetic patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using gut-derived extracellular vesicles in DPN is novel, similar studies have shown promise in other conditions related to gut health and inflammation.

Where this research is happening

  • Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
    East Lansing, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Liu, Xianshuang — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Liu, Xianshuang

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.