Gut microbes influence the development and function of intestinal cells
Official title: Key gut microbes shape intestinal epithelial lineage development, differentiation and metabolic function
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10978208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gut bacteria called Prevotella copri affects the health of the intestines in both healthy and undernourished children, with the goal of finding ways to improve gut health through diet or other treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $142,429 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DK134840-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978208 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, especially those from undernourished backgrounds or with gut health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those without any gut health concerns may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gut microbes, particularly a species called Prevotella copri, affect the development and specialization of intestinal cells. By studying both healthy and undernourished children, the researchers aim to understand how these microbes and their metabolic products can influence growth and metabolic functions in the intestines. Using advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing and gnotobiotic mouse models, the study explores the relationship between gut microbiota and intestinal health, particularly in young children. The findings could provide insights into how gut health can be improved through dietary or microbial interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving gut health and growth in children, particularly those who are malnourished.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Yi — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Yi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.