NIH-funded research R21 grant

Exploring how prebiotic diets affect immune responses and bone health during estrogen deficiency

Official title: Mathematical Modeling of the Impacts of Prebiotic Dietary Intervention on Immunomodulation During Estrogen Deficiency

Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10828927 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain dietary fibers called prebiotics might help boost the immune system and support bone health in postmenopausal women, especially those dealing with osteoporosis, to see if these foods can lead to better health outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Buffalo
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project startApril 15, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$239,582
NIH project number5R21AG077640-02
Project IDNIH-10828927 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women experiencing bone health issues related to estrogen deficiency.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not postmenopausal or do not have bone health concerns related to estrogen deficiency may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of prebiotic dietary interventions on immune responses and bone health in the context of estrogen deficiency, particularly in postmenopausal women. By utilizing mathematical modeling alongside in vivo animal studies, the project aims to understand how prebiotics like B-galactooligosaccharides can influence immune cell behavior and bone maintenance. The study focuses on the interactions between gut microbiota, immune cells, and bone health, providing insights into potential dietary strategies for improving outcomes in osteoporosis. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new dietary recommendations or treatments for bone health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative dietary interventions that improve bone health and immune function in postmenopausal women.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using dietary interventions to influence gut health and immune responses, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • State University of New York at Buffalo
    Amherst, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ford Versypt, Ashlee Nicole — State University of New York at Buffalo
  • Study coordinator: Ford Versypt, Ashlee Nicole

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving population health by studying reproductive health and development.

    This study is looking at how different factors, like the environment and genetics, affect the health of pregnant women and people of reproductive age, with the goal of improving pregnancy outcomes and the health of children as they grow up.

    NIH research State University of New York at Buffalo · Amherst, United States · NIH-9795452

  • How noise and hearing loss affect the first step of hearing in the brain

    This NIH grant studies how noise and conductive hearing loss change the intimate connections between auditory nerves and brain cells, which could influence how we hear in noisy environments.

    NIH research State University of New York at Buffalo · Amherst, United States · NIH-11620270

  • Programmable hydrogels to protect transplanted human OPCs in demyelinating disease

    Aims to improve survival and integration of transplanted human oligodendrocyte precursor cells by using specially designed hydrogels to reduce cell death during delivery in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

    NIH research State University of New York at Buffalo · Amherst, United States · NIH-11579956

  • How a mouth bacterium might fuel gum disease and heart risk

    A small study will look at how a bacterium in the mouth that makes a reactive chemical (methylglyoxal) could drive gum inflammation and changes in the mouth’s bacteria, possibly linking to heart disease.

    NIH research State University of New York at Buffalo · Amherst, United States · NIH-11564245

  • New dual-acting treatments against tough Klebsiella pneumoniae infections

    A new funding opportunity aims to develop therapies that both fight and disarm the dangerous Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, especially strains that resist many drugs, to help patients with serious infections.

    NIH research State University of New York at Buffalo · Amherst, United States · NIH-11563773

  • Muscle health and aging in postmenopausal women

    This NIH grant supports a study in older, postmenopausal women to understand how insulin and blood sugar relate to muscle loss over time and whether this differs by race/ethnicity.

    NIH research State University of New York at Buffalo · Amherst, United States · NIH-11532334

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.