Exploring how gut bacteria and dietary fibers affect health through microbial fats
Official title: Identification of human gut microbe-derived xenolipids: impact of fibers and host metabolic health
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11113985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how what we eat affects the tiny microbes in our gut and how they, in turn, influence our health, focusing on special compounds called xenolipids, which could help us understand better ways to improve our well-being through diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $687,891 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK137173-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults interested in improving their metabolic health or those at risk for conditions related to gut microbiome imbalances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any metabolic health issues or those with severe gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between diet, gut microbiome, and host health by focusing on microbial metabolites known as xenolipids. Using advanced DNA and RNA sequencing technologies, the study aims to identify and characterize these metabolites, particularly cyclopropane fatty acids, to understand their impact on physiological health. By expanding the catalog of microbial metabolites, the research seeks to uncover how these compounds influence communication between gut microbes and the host, potentially leading to new insights into dietary impacts on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or treatments that improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of conditions like adult-onset diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Sean Harrison — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Adams, Sean Harrison
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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.