How gut bacteria talk to the brain and influence behavior
Bacteria sensory transduction from gut to brain to modulate behavior
Looks at whether signals from gut bacteria change eating and other behaviors by traveling from the gut to the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286805 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse experiments to trace how bacterial signals in the colon trigger gut sensory (neuropod) cells to activate vagal neurons that send messages to the brain. Investigators will use germ-free and microbe-transplanted mice, neural recordings, and behavioral tests of appetite and reward to see if specific bacterial molecules change feeding behavior. They will map synapses between colonic neuropod cells and vagal neurons and measure rapid signaling and resulting behavioral changes. The ultimate aim is to build knowledge that could guide gut-based therapies to modify food intake and emotional well-being.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with disorders of food intake or related behavior issues (for example obesity or hyperphagia linked to gut microbiota) would be the most relevant future candidates for related clinical approaches.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not linked to gut microbes or gut-brain signaling, or those needing immediate clinical interventions, may not benefit directly from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new gut-targeted treatments to help control appetite, treat overeating, or improve mood-related behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies show that transferring gut microbes can change appetite and weight, and the lab has previously identified fast gut-to-brain neuropod circuits, but translating these findings to humans remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bohorquez, Diego V — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bohorquez, Diego V
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.