How gut bacteria affect brain cells that control metabolism
Official title: The microbiota-microglia axis in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11004676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut and certain brain cells work together to affect your energy levels and how your body manages sugar, especially when eating a high-fat diet, and it will also check if certain substances made by gut bacteria can help keep your metabolism balanced.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | January 23, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $403,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134782-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004676 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing obesity or metabolic dysregulation, particularly those with dietary influences on their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metabolic disorders unrelated to gut microbiota or those not affected by dietary habits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between gut microbiota and microglial cells in the brain, specifically focusing on how these interactions influence energy balance and glucose regulation. By examining the effects of high-fat diets on gut bacteria and subsequent microglial activation in the mediobasal hypothalamus, the study aims to uncover the metabolic signals that trigger changes in food intake and body weight. The researchers will also explore the potential of short-chain fatty acids, produced by gut bacteria, to mitigate these effects and restore metabolic homeostasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary strategies or treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in metabolic regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdearcos, Martin — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Valdearcos, Martin
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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.