Gut microbes make anti-inflammatory molecules from beta-glucan to help autoimmune disease
Identification and Functional Characterization of Bioactive Microbial Metabolites of Beta-Glucan Degradation
This work looks at how dietary fibers called beta-glucans are turned by gut bacteria into molecules that may reduce inflammation in people with autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332866 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will feed beta-glucans to gut microbes in lab cultures and in animal models and analyze the small molecules those microbes produce. They will identify which microbial metabolites change immune cell behavior and strengthen the gut barrier. The team will measure short-chain fatty acids and other compounds linked to reduced gut inflammation and autoimmune progression. Findings aim to point toward safe dietary supplements or targeted treatments that mimic those helpful microbial products.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions, especially those with gut-related inflammation or at risk for colitis, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to gut inflammation or who need immediate, high-intensity immunosuppressive therapy are less likely to benefit directly from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new nutraceuticals or dietary strategies that reduce autoimmune flare-ups and gut inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies by this group and others have shown beta-glucan-shaped microbiota and increased short-chain fatty acids can lessen autoimmune and colitis severity, but clinical evidence in people is limited.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vasu, Chenthamarakshan — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Vasu, Chenthamarakshan
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.