How gut bacteria affect sleep and aggression in blind cavefish
Official title: The contribution of gut microbiome composition to natural variation in sleep and aggression across populations in the blind Mexican cavefish
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11019162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny bacteria in the guts of blind Mexican cavefish might affect their sleep and aggression, and it could help us understand how gut health relates to behavior in people too!
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $271,385 |
| NIH project number | 1P20GM156713-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in the relationship between gut health and behavioral issues, particularly those with neuropsychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have an interest in or are not affected by behavioral issues related to gut health may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in influencing sleep and aggression behaviors in the blind Mexican cavefish. By comparing the gut bacteria of different populations of this fish species, the study aims to uncover how these microorganisms may contribute to variations in these complex behaviors. The researchers will explore how dietary changes affect the diversity of gut bacteria and correlate these changes with observed differences in sleep patterns and aggression levels. This work could provide insights into the links between gut health and behavioral traits, which may have implications for understanding neuropsychiatric conditions in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how gut health influences behavior, potentially informing treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking gut microbiota to sleep and aggression in this fish model is novel, there is emerging evidence in other studies suggesting that gut health can influence behavior in various species.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
San Juan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez-Morales, Roberto E. — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez-Morales, Roberto E.
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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.