How gut microbes influence amino acids and blood sugar
Molecular mechanisms behind microbiota regulation of host amino acid and glucose homeostasis
Researchers will change gut bacteria in mouse models to learn whether microbes that process amino acids can alter blood sugar control relevant to people with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11336930 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how gut bacteria that break down dietary amino acids might change the amino acids in the body and, in turn, affect blood sugar control. The team will combine computer analysis of microbial genes, chemical measurements of metabolites, bacterial genetics, and controlled germ-free mouse experiments where they can toggle microbial pathways. They will identify specific microbes that ferment amino acids and test how those microbes change glucose regulation in mouse models of diabetes. The long-term aim is to use that knowledge to design defined bacterial communities with metabolic functions that could prevent or treat type 2 diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes who are interested in microbiome-based approaches and follow-up clinical studies would be the most relevant group to benefit from this research.
Not a fit: People without type 2 diabetes or those with autoimmune type 1 diabetes are unlikely to directly benefit from the specific interventions tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new microbiome-based treatments or engineered probiotics to help prevent or improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal experiments and small human studies link gut bacteria to metabolism, but engineered microbiome therapies for diabetes remain largely experimental and unproven in people.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Chun-Jun — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Guo, Chun-Jun
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.