How host genetics influence gut bacteria populations
Official title: The Role of Host Genetics in Shaping Intestinal Lactobacillus Population
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11059048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes can affect the types of good bacteria, like Lactobacillus, in our gut by using a special mouse model, and it hopes to help us understand how these genetic differences might influence our overall health and immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI179006-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with genetic variations that may influence their gut microbiome composition, particularly those with autoimmune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established gut microbiome disorders unrelated to genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of host genetics on the composition of gut bacteria, specifically focusing on Lactobacillus populations. Using a specialized mouse model, the study aims to eliminate environmental factors to isolate the genetic influences on the microbiome. By understanding these interactions, the research seeks to uncover how genetic variations can shape the gut microbiome and its functions, which are crucial for overall health and immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized approaches in managing gut health and related immune conditions based on individual genetic profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that host genetics significantly influences microbiome composition, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lietuvninkas, Helen Beilinson — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lietuvninkas, Helen Beilinson
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Education and violence: Can high-dosage tutoring reduce youth violence
A large study in Chicago schools will test whether high-dosage tutoring for students can lessen youth violence by improving learning and outcomes.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Lens proteins, cell stress, and cataracts in kids and adults
A study aims to understand how lens proteins and cellular stress contribute to cataracts, in both humans and mice, with the goal of guiding prevention or treatment.
-
Understanding how neurons keep their identity and function for life
Scientists are studying how nerve cells maintain their distinctive identity and function from development through aging, using human-derived neurons and a simple worm model to uncover the long-term control of brain cell behavior.
-
Cardiac Sarcomere Protein Quality Control in Health and Disease
A heart-focused study looking at how heart muscle proteins get misfolded and how the cell’s cleanup system might fix this to protect heart function.
-
Communication Bridge: Improving language therapy for people with primary progressive aphasia
A proven language-therapy program called Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia improve and maintain how they communicate with others.
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.