How gut microbes shape daily body rhythms and sex differences in digestion and immunity
Microbial regulation of mammalian circadian rhythms and the sexual dimorphism: from metabolism to immunity
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11241792
This work looks at how gut bacteria control daily rhythms in the intestine to help men and women balance nutrient absorption and immune defense.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11241792 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will track daily (circadian) changes in the cells lining the gut and in the gut microbial community to see how those cycles affect nutrient uptake and immune responses. They will compare male and female patterns to understand sex-specific differences and use molecular tools to identify the gene- and epigenetic-level switches involved. Experiments will combine microbial analyses, cell and tissue assays, and temporal sampling across the day-night cycle. Findings may point to times of day or microbiome targets that improve digestion or reduce gut inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with digestive conditions (for example inflammatory bowel disease or metabolic gut disorders) or those willing to provide stool or tissue samples would be the most relevant candidates for related participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to gut function or immune/metabolic regulation are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to therapies or timing of treatments that improve digestion and gut immune protection, potentially tailored by sex.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and some human studies have linked the microbiome to intestinal circadian rhythms, but applying these findings to sex-specific epigenetic mechanisms and therapies is relatively new and still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KUANG, ZHENG — CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KUANG, ZHENG
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.
Conditions: Digestive Diseases, Digestive System Diseases