How gut bacteria affect the absorption of beneficial fatty acids in autoimmune disorders
Official title: Effect of dysbiotic gut microbiota on the transport of short-chain fatty acids: Relevance to autoimmune disorders
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11055822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gut bacteria help make important fatty acids and how these are absorbed into the body, especially in people with autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, to find ways to improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT012804-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055822 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune disorders or those who do not have gut dysbiosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut bacteria in producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and how these fatty acids are absorbed into the bloodstream, particularly in patients with autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS). The study will use germ-free mice that receive fecal samples from both MS patients and healthy individuals to understand how gut dysbiosis may impact SCFA transport. By examining the levels of inflammation and SCFA transport genes, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to improved health outcomes for patients with autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary or therapeutic strategies to enhance SCFA absorption and improve health in patients with autoimmune disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in health, but this specific approach to SCFA transport in autoimmune disorders is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ito, Kouichi — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ito, Kouichi
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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.