How gut bacteria communicate with the brain to influence sleep
Novel mechanism in microbiota-brain communication: the role of the hepatoportal region
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10600138
This study is looking at how the good bacteria in your gut might help you sleep better by sending signals to your brain, and it's testing this idea using experiments on rats to see how certain bacteria can influence sleep.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PULLMAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10600138 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how signals from gut bacteria affect sleep regulation through a newly discovered mechanism involving the hepatoportal region. It focuses on the role of bacterial metabolites and cell wall components in activating sensory neurons that promote sleep. By studying the interactions between gut bacteria and the brain, the research aims to uncover the pathways that link gut health to sleep patterns. The approach includes experiments on rats to observe the effects of specific bacterial products on sleep induction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing sleep disorders potentially linked to gut health.
Not a fit: Patients with sleep disorders not related to gut health or those with severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders by targeting gut-brain communication pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gut-brain interactions, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
PULLMAN, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY — PULLMAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SZENTIRMAI, EVA — WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SZENTIRMAI, EVA
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.
Conditions: Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders, Encephalon Diseases, Intracranial CNS Disorders, Intracranial Central Nervous System Disorders