How bacteria affect stress responses and lifespan in organisms
Official title: Mechanistic understanding of host-microbe interactions in regulating stress response and lifespan
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10984621 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria can help tiny worms live longer and handle stress better, which might lead to new ways to promote healthy aging in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $116,972 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG083058-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984621 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in aging and stress-related health issues, particularly those with chronic conditions influenced by microbial interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those not affected by aging-related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between bacteria and their host organisms, focusing on how these interactions influence stress responses and aging. By studying the effects of genetically modified bacteria that can resist oxidative stress, the research aims to understand how these bacteria can enhance the lifespan and stress tolerance of the model organism C. elegans. The approach involves laboratory experiments where the bacteria are evolved under stress conditions, and their impact on the host's metabolism and longevity is assessed. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for promoting healthy aging by targeting microbial stress signaling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance stress resilience and longevity in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding host-microbe interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhat, Ajay — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Bhat, Ajay
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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.