How gut microbes affect brain activity in young primates fed a high-fat diet
The role of microbe-epithelial interactions on primate enteroneuroactivity in response to maternal high fat diet
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut can affect brain activity and feelings of anxiety in young monkeys, especially when they eat a high-fat diet, to help us understand how what we eat might influence our mood and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893008 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut microbes and brain activity in young primates, particularly focusing on how a high-fat diet during early development influences anxiety-related neurochemical messengers like serotonin and dopamine. By studying juvenile non-human primates, the research aims to understand how interactions between gut microbes and gut cells can affect brain function and behavior. The project will utilize both in vivo and in vitro methods, including the cultivation of gut cells from primates exposed to different dietary conditions, to explore these complex interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be young children, particularly those with anxiety disorders or those exposed to high-fat diets.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those without anxiety-related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how dietary choices impact mental health in children, potentially informing prevention and treatment strategies for anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis, but this specific approach focusing on young primates and dietary influences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bolte, Erin E — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bolte, Erin E
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.