How certain gut bacteria release proteins that affect digestion and immune health
Mechanistic investigation of bacterial type 9 secretion system machinery and its involvement in gut metabolism and immunomodulation
Researchers are looking at whether a protein-release system used by common gut bacteria helps break down fiber into healthful short-chain fatty acids and influences immune balance in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144330 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are building a lab model of a common gut bacterium (Bacteroides intestinalis) to study its Type 9 secretion system and the proteins it sends outside the cell. They will use genetic manipulation, bioinformatics, and biochemical tests to identify secreted enzymes that break down dietary fibers and measure resulting short-chain fatty acid production. Experiments will combine laboratory bacterial work with analyses that mimic gut conditions and may include animal models to study immune effects. The team aims to map how these secreted proteins shape gut metabolism and immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with interest in gut microbiome research—especially those with metabolic or gut-immune concerns—are the most relevant group for follow-up studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Individuals seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions unrelated to gut metabolism and immunity are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost beneficial short-chain fatty acids and guide probiotic or diet-based strategies to improve metabolic and immune health.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show gut microbes and their enzymes can change short-chain fatty acid levels, but studying the Type 9 secretion system in human gut Bacteroides is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- Arizona State University-Tempe Campus — Scottsdale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shrivastava, Abhishek — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Shrivastava, Abhishek
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.