How viral DNA in gut probiotics controls antimicrobial production
Prophage-mediated regulation of antimicrobial production
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11238510
This project looks at whether tiny viral sequences inside a common probiotic change how much of an antimicrobial called reuterin the bacteria make, which could affect gut health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238510 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic that makes the antimicrobial reuterin, to find how prophages (viral DNA inside bacterial genomes) alter metabolic pathways. In the lab they will map genetic switches such as the pdu operon and test how prophages change reuterin production in cultured bacteria. The team will also examine ecological effects in living gut models, using mammalian (preclinical) systems to see how phage-driven changes reshape microbial communities. The combined molecular and in vivo work aims to reveal whether prophage regulation helps or hinders probiotic function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People interested in microbiome research or willing to donate stool samples for microbiome studies, especially those with gut health concerns, would be the most relevant participants for related future work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions unrelated to the gut microbiome are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help design or choose probiotics that better protect the gut by controlling antimicrobial production.
How similar studies have performed: While probiotics and the antimicrobial reuterin have been studied before, regulation of metabolite production by prophages is a relatively new area with limited prior human-focused studies.
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.