Gut microbes and multiple sclerosis progression: new clues from 16S sequencing
Official title: Regulation of disease progression and therapeutic response in multiple sclerosis by the gut microbiota
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11355318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how gut bacteria may influence how quickly multiple sclerosis progresses and how patients respond to therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $258,584 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI199564-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are considering or receiving disease-modifying therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with MS who do not have gut microbiome-related biomarkers identified or who are not candidates for the specific therapies studied may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
Adults with multiple sclerosis may have different disease courses based on their gut microbiome. The project uses 16S sequencing to profile gut bacteria and identify biomarkers that correlate with progression and treatment response. By linking microbial patterns to disease activity, it could lead to personalized treatment decisions. The work is designed to be translated into human studies and future trials for MS patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with MS could receive more personalized therapies based on their gut microbiome profile.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown associations between gut bacteria and MS activity, suggesting this approach is promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao-Draayer, Yang — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Mao-Draayer, Yang
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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.