Exploring how gut microbes affect brain function in neurodevelopmental disorders
Official title: Unraveling gut-microbiome-brain interactions in neurodevelopmental disorders
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10894073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gut microbe, L. reuteri, might affect brain function and social behavior in mice with neurodevelopmental disorders, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these conditions feel and interact better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $725,587 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH112356-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders who experience social deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders who do not exhibit social dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between gut microbes and brain function, particularly in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). By using advanced techniques such as transcriptomics and metabolomics, the study aims to understand how a specific gut microbe, L. reuteri, can influence social behavior and brain activity in mouse models of NDDs. The researchers will explore the mechanisms behind this gut-brain communication and assess the potential for developing new microbial-based therapies that could improve social functioning in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative, non-invasive treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders that improve social behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and potential breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sahin, Ergun — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sahin, Ergun
Related research
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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.