How gut bacteria build and balance our microbiome
Official title: Niche Partitioning of Commensal Clostridia in the Gut
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11377703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looking at how the trillions of bacteria in the gut come together and function from birth to later life, to understand how a healthy gut supports overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $375,708 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150609-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with gut-related conditions or anyone interested in how their gut bacteria develop and respond to diet.
✕Less likely to help
People without gut-related concerns or those not participating in any sample-based components may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
From a patient’s perspective, this project aims to map how gut bacteria assemble and interact over time, starting at birth and continuing through adulthood. Researchers will analyze how different bacteria share and compete for nutrients in the gut environment and how this affects health and disease. The work uses advanced analyses of gut samples to reveal patterns in microbial communities and how diet shapes them. This knowledge could lead to new ways to support a resilient gut microbiome and better health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform dietary or microbial therapies to promote a healthier gut microbiome and reduce disease risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown niche partitioning among gut bacteria, suggesting that similar approaches can reveal how communities stabilize, though much remains to be learned.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seekatz, Anna Maria — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Seekatz, Anna Maria
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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.