How gut microbes, probiotics and food molecules can block harmful gut bacteria
Microbiota, Probiotic and Dietary Metabolite Control of Enteric Pathogen Virulence
['FUNDING_R01'] · SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE · NIH-11224047
This project looks at whether natural molecules made by gut bacteria, probiotics, or food can stop harmful intestinal bacteria and help people with bacterial gut infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11224047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I were involved, researchers would look for specific molecules produced by the microbiome, probiotics, or diet that interfere with harmful gut bacteria. They will use chemical biology and proteomics to find which bacterial proteins those molecules bind to, then change bacterial genes to test how those interactions affect infection. The team will also test these effects in animal infection models to see if the molecules reduce bacterial virulence in living organisms. Together, these steps aim to turn basic findings into targets for new anti-infective approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or severe bacterial intestinal infections or those willing to donate stool or other samples for microbiome research would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with viral stomach bugs, non-infectious bowel conditions (like IBS), or unrelated medical problems are unlikely to benefit directly from this work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new non-antibiotic treatments or probiotic/diet-based strategies that reduce gut infections and lower the need for traditional antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies suggest metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and bile acids can reduce bacterial virulence, but the precise targets and translation to human therapies remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HANG, HOWARD C — SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE
- Study coordinator: HANG, HOWARD C
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.