Exploring how gut bacteria influence the evolution of fruit flies
Official title: Defining the microbiota's response to and influence on the evolution of Drosophila melanogaster
Funded at California State University Fullerton · NIH-10515040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the tiny bacteria living in the guts of fruit flies can influence their health and evolution, helping us understand the important relationship between these microbes and the flies over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Fullerton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fullerton, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $412,683 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM147869-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10515040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in the role of microbiota in health and evolution, particularly those with conditions influenced by gut bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in microbiota or evolutionary biology may not find direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in the evolution of Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as fruit flies. By examining how these microorganisms affect the health-related traits of the flies, the study aims to uncover the interactions between the microbiota and the host during evolutionary processes. The researchers will use laboratory selection methods to observe changes in both the flies and their associated bacteria over generations, providing insights into how these relationships shape evolutionary outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of how gut bacteria influence health and evolution, potentially leading to improved healthcare strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking microbiota to evolution in Drosophila is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of gut bacteria in other species.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shahrestani, Parvin — California State University Fullerton
- Study coordinator: Shahrestani, Parvin
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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.