Gut bacterial vesicles and diabetic nerve damage
Official title: Investigating the role of gut extracellular vesicles in diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11286790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether tiny particles released by gut bacteria can protect nerves and ease numbness and pain in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $555,230 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135970-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11286790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diabetes who have symptoms or signs of peripheral neuropathy (such as numbness, tingling, burning, or foot pain) would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical work.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetes or those whose nerve damage is caused by other conditions (like chemotherapy-induced or autoimmune neuropathies) are unlikely to benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how bacterial extracellular vesicles from the gut affect nerve damage in diabetes using laboratory models and biological samples. They will test whether vesicles produced by Lactobacillus reduce inflammation and improve nerve recovery in diabetic mice and will examine the molecular signals involved. The team will use 16S rRNA sequencing to profile gut microbes and analyze vesicle contents to identify factors linked to nerve protection. Findings could point to new therapies based on probiotic-derived vesicles or other microbiome-targeted approaches for diabetic nerve problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that reduce inflammation, protect peripheral nerves, and lessen pain or numbness in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
How similar studies have gone: Some animal studies, including the team's preliminary mouse data, show probiotic-derived vesicles can reduce inflammation and protect nerves, but human results are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xianshuang — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xianshuang
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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.