How gut bacteria affect brain cell barriers
Official title: Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Astrocyte Barrier Function
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10909795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect brain health, especially for people with multiple sclerosis, by exploring how certain gut bacteria can help protect brain cells and reduce inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $282,108 |
| NIH project number | 5K01NS133057-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to the gut microbiome may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiome and the function of astrocytes, which are crucial cells in the brain that help maintain the blood-brain barrier. The study focuses on how specific gut bacteria, particularly those that produce butyrate, can influence neuroinflammation and potentially improve conditions like multiple sclerosis. By examining both preclinical models and clinical data, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Patients may benefit from insights into how gut health impacts brain function and disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that harness the gut microbiome to improve brain health and manage neurological diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tankou, Stephanie — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Tankou, Stephanie
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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.