Gut-friendly bacteria from exercise that boost metabolism
Official title: Gut microbial fermentation products of muscle-derived lactate as mediators of exercise and metabolism
Funded at Joslin Diabetes Center · NIH-11322638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores whether bacteria in the gut that use muscle lactate can boost healthy metabolism and exercise benefits when paired with regular exercise.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Joslin Diabetes Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $568,630 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK129850-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with impaired glucose tolerance or metabolic syndrome who are able to participate in an exercise program and consider probiotic supplementation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without metabolic health concerns or those unable to engage in regular exercise may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center are studying a specific group of gut bacteria that convert lactate produced during exercise into short-chain fatty acids. They aim to see if giving these bacteria along with exercise can raise circulating fatty acids and enhance how muscles use glucose and respond to training. The study looks at people with impaired glucose tolerance to understand if these bacteria can help them gain more metabolic and aerobic improvements from exercise. The findings could reveal a new way to amplify the positive effects of physical activity on metabolic health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new probiotic strategies that boost exercise benefits and improve glucose metabolism for people at risk of metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests gut microbes influence metabolism and exercise responses, but this specific LU-Bac–exercise axis is a novel approach with early supporting signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Joslin Diabetes Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kostic, Aleksandar David — Joslin Diabetes Center
- Study coordinator: Kostic, Aleksandar David
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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.