How vitamin B12-related molecules shape gut microbes
Microbial Corrinoid Metabolism Across Scales: From Molecular Specificity to Community Dynamics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · NIH-11260976
This work looks at how different forms of vitamin B12 and related molecules influence which microbes thrive together, including those in the human gut.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260976 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a 'corrinoid' model (the vitamin B12 family) to study effects from single genes and enzymes up to whole microbial communities. They combine genetic and biochemical experiments with lab-grown pairs and synthetic gut communities, and compare those results to soil and human gut-derived culture samples. The team tracks which microbes prefer which corrinoids and how those preferences change community make-up. The goal is to learn how nutrient sharing among microbes affects community assembly and, ultimately, human health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People willing to provide stool samples or participate in gut microbiome studies, including healthy volunteers and those with gut-related conditions, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Those seeking immediate clinical treatments or people with conditions unrelated to the gut microbiome are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to steer the gut microbiome using specific vitamin B12 forms or related compounds to promote healthier microbial communities.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work has shown that different corrinoids can change microbial community composition, but translating those findings into patient-directed treatments is still early.
Where this research is happening
BERKELEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY — BERKELEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAGA, MICHIKO E. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- Study coordinator: TAGA, MICHIKO E.
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.