How gut fungi affect fat absorption and obesity
Official title: The role of the gut mycobiota in regulating host lipid absorption and obesity
Funded at Midwestern University · NIH-10831017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of fungus called Candida in our gut might affect how our bodies absorb fats and gain weight, especially when we eat a lot of fatty foods, to find new ways to help manage obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Midwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Downers Grove, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $141,408 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DK129890-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders related to high-fat diets.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume high-fat diets or have no issues with obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of gut fungi, specifically Candida, in how our bodies absorb fats and develop obesity, particularly in response to high-fat diets. The study will explore how these fungi influence lipid absorption in the gut and their potential impact on weight gain. By examining the presence and form of Candida in the digestive system, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for managing obesity. The research involves both animal models and molecular techniques to assess changes in fat absorption and gene expression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for obesity by targeting gut fungi to regulate fat absorption.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of gut bacteria in obesity has been studied, the specific focus on gut fungi like Candida is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Midwestern University
Downers Grove, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez-Guryn, Kristina Brooke — Midwestern University
- Study coordinator: Martinez-Guryn, Kristina Brooke
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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.