How Paneth cell peptides PYY and NPY help keep gut microbes balanced and fight harmful fungi and bacteria
Exploring the role, regulation, and antimicrobial function of Paneth cell peptides PYY and NPY in maintaining gut microbial commensalism and innate immune defense
Testing whether natural gut peptides called PYY and NPY help keep gut microbes balanced and protect people from harmful gut fungi and bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290416 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will study peptides made by Paneth cells in the intestine to see how they kill harmful fungal and bacterial forms while sparing beneficial microbes. They will compare different forms of PYY, look at how these peptides are released into the gut mucus, and study how enzymes like DPP‑IV change their activity. Work will include laboratory experiments with microbes and cells and analysis of tissue or sample material relevant to human gut health. The aim is to understand how these peptides support a healthy microbial community and innate immune defense in the gut.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent intestinal Candida (Candida albicans) overgrowth, chronic gut microbial imbalance, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease that affect Paneth cell function would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose problems are unrelated to the gut microbiome or who have infections outside the intestine (for example bloodstream or skin infections) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that boost natural gut defenses to prevent or treat fungal and bacterial overgrowth or dysbiosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work from this group showed PYY can act as an antimicrobial peptide against Candida hyphae, so this project builds on promising but still early findings to explore mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Eugene B — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chang, Eugene B
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.