Gut bacteria influence brain function through gut cells
Enteroendocrine cells sense gut bacteria and activate a gut-brain pathway
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11063250
This study is exploring how the bacteria in your gut talk to your brain by looking at special cells in the intestines, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how gut health might affect conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11063250 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how gut bacteria communicate with the brain by activating specific cells in the intestine called enteroendocrine cells (EECs). Using a zebrafish model, the study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this communication, particularly focusing on how certain bacterial compounds can stimulate these gut cells and, in turn, affect brain activity. By employing advanced techniques to measure cell activity in real-time, the research seeks to uncover the pathways that link gut health with brain function, which could have implications for gut-brain disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from gut-brain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or related functional gastrointestinal issues.
Not a fit: Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those not experiencing any gut-brain disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for gut-brain disorders by targeting the communication pathways between gut bacteria and the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gut-brain interactions, but this specific approach using zebrafish and the Trpa1 pathway is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YE, LIHUA — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: YE, LIHUA
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 below.