How gut bacteria communicate with the brain and affect blood pressure.
Official title: Bacterial extracellular vesicles in microbiota-brain communication and hypertension
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11020038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might influence high blood pressure by sending signals to your brain, and it hopes to find new ways to improve heart health for people dealing with hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,521 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176554-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020038 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hypertension or those at risk of developing high blood pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without hypertension or those with conditions unrelated to gut health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in gut bacteria can lead to high blood pressure through a communication system between the gut and the brain. It focuses on the role of bacterial extracellular vesicles, which are tiny particles released by bacteria, in causing inflammation that may affect blood pressure regulation. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new pathways that link gut health to cardiovascular health, potentially leading to innovative treatments for hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating high blood pressure by targeting gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection and its impact on various health conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Durgan, David J — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Durgan, David J
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-
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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.