NIH-funded research R01 grant

How gut bacteria and diet can reduce harmful bacteria's effects

Official title: Microbiota, Probiotic and Dietary Metabolite Control of Enteric Pathogen Virulence

Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-10978196 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how substances made by our gut bacteria and probiotics can help fight off bad germs that cause infections, with the hope of finding new treatments for people and animals who get sick from these germs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionScripps Research Institute, the
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startNovember 10, 2022
Project endOctober 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$775,779
NIH project number5R01AI172915-03
Project IDNIH-10978196 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections or those at risk of such infections.

Less likely to help

Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial related health issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain metabolites produced by gut microbiota, probiotics, and dietary components can inhibit the harmful effects of enteric pathogens. By using advanced techniques in chemical biology, proteomics, and gene editing, the study aims to identify the specific proteins in bacteria that these metabolites target. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to the development of new treatments to combat bacterial infections in both animals and humans. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative anti-infective therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce the impact of harmful bacterial infections.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microbiota metabolites to influence bacterial virulence, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Scripps Research Institute, the
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hang, Howard C — Scripps Research Institute, the
  • Study coordinator: Hang, Howard C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.