How succinate affects gut health and inflammation as we age
Official title: Succinate triggers gut dysbiosis and activates SUCNR1 to enhance inflammaging
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11247689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called succinate, which is connected to aging, affects the gut bacteria and inflammation in both young and old mice, with the hope of finding new ways to improve health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $466,319 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG068857-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing chronic inflammation or related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing age-related inflammation or have no gut health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of succinate, a metabolite linked to aging, in altering gut microbiota and promoting chronic inflammation known as inflammaging. By studying both young and old mice, the researchers aim to understand how increased succinate levels impact gut health and immune responses. The study will explore the mechanisms by which succinate influences inflammation and gut dysbiosis, potentially leading to new strategies for managing age-related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve gut health and reduce inflammation in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and inflammation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xin — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Li, Xin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis: How Resolving Inflammation Could Restore Your Mouth’s Balance
This grant explores how turning off the harmful inflammation in periodontitis and promoting natural healing could help restore the mouth’s healthy balance.
-
Antibiotics, gut health, and skin reactions in kids
A small study in children will look at whether antibiotic use and gut bacteria play a role in hives and related symptoms that children sometimes get after antibiotics.
-
Novel therapeutic to protect the gut after radiation
A new GI-directed treatment given after radiation exposure may reduce gut damage and improve survival in people exposed to high-dose radiation.
-
A new GI-focused treatment to reduce radiation damage after exposure
A potential GI-targeted therapy given after radiation exposure may help protect the gut and improve survival in people affected by radiation injuries.
-
How a mouth bacterium might fuel gum disease and heart risk
A small study will look at how a bacterium in the mouth that makes a reactive chemical (methylglyoxal) could drive gum inflammation and changes in the mouth’s bacteria, possibly linking to heart disease.
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.