How sugar affects beneficial gut bacteria and their viruses
Mechanism and application of sugar-induced phage production by the probiotic gut symbiont Lactobacillus reuteri
This study is looking at how sugars in our diet, especially sucrose, affect the way viruses that help good bacteria in our gut are made, with the goal of finding better ways to use probiotics and improve health through diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10888323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary sugars, particularly sucrose, influence the production of viruses that interact with probiotic bacteria in the gut. By understanding these mechanisms, the study aims to develop new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of probiotics through dietary modifications. The research will explore how increased phage production can improve the colonization of beneficial bacteria and facilitate the delivery of therapeutic proteins. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved dietary recommendations and probiotic therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals interested in improving gut health or those with gastrointestinal disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not consume dietary sugars or have no interest in dietary modifications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective probiotic treatments that are tailored to individual dietary habits.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between diet and gut microbiota, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Pijkeren, Jan-Peter — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Van Pijkeren, Jan-Peter
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.