How common gut Bacteroides protect themselves
Protective mechanisms of the gut Bacteroidales
This project looks at how common gut bacteria called Bacteroides defend themselves from other microbes and stress, which affects gut health for many people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285459 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how Bacteroidales species that live in the human colon respond when exposed to antibacterial toxins and other stresses. In the lab they use genetic reporters and tests of bacterial traits to see which genes turn on and how those changes protect the bacteria. The team focuses on a specific regulatory system called EcfO-Reo and the group of genes it controls, including unknown proteins, outer membrane porins, and factors that make long LPS. Understanding these responses helps explain why these bacteria persist in the gut over a lifetime.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can provide stool samples (healthy volunteers or people with gut conditions) or who can travel to or send samples to the University of Chicago would be appropriate contributors.
Not a fit: People looking for an immediate new treatment or whose health issues are unrelated to the gut microbiome are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to support helpful gut bacteria or prevent harmful microbes from taking over.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work has shown that gut bacteria use antibacterial toxins and stress responses, but turning these basic findings into clinical treatments remains early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Comstock, Laurie E — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Comstock, Laurie E
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.