How gut bacteria and inflammation affect fat accumulation in ground squirrels
Microbiota and Inflammation in Adiposity: The Ground Squirrel Model
This study looks at how what ground squirrels eat affects their gut bacteria, which can lead to weight gain and inflammation, and it hopes to find clues that could help us understand similar issues in people dealing with obesity and insulin resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin Oshkosh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oshkosh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10577974 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in gut bacteria due to diet can lead to inflammation and fat accumulation in ground squirrels, which may provide insights into similar processes in humans. The study uses a unique model of hibernating squirrels that naturally gain weight and experience inflammation, allowing researchers to explore the effects of gut microbiota transfer and anti-inflammatory treatments. By examining these processes, the research aims to uncover potential mechanisms that contribute to obesity and insulin resistance, which are significant health concerns for many adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing issues related to obesity or metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating obesity and related metabolic disorders in humans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using gut microbiota transfer and anti-inflammatory treatments in animal models, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Oshkosh, United States
- University of Wisconsin Oshkosh — Oshkosh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurtz, Courtney C — University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- Study coordinator: Kurtz, Courtney C
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 below.