Improving delivery of therapeutic bacteria to the human gut
Creating a niche for engineered live biotherapeutics
This study is exploring how to improve the delivery of helpful treatments to the gut using specially designed bacteria, and it's aimed at anyone interested in better ways to treat gut-related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of delivering therapeutic agents like small molecules, peptides, and proteins to the human gut using specially engineered live bacteria. The approach involves matching prebiotic compounds with enzymes that help these bacteria thrive in the gut environment. Additionally, the researchers will create genetic libraries in specific bacterial strains to identify which genes improve their survival and function in gut-like conditions. The effectiveness of these strategies will be tested through various laboratory methods, including in vitro cultures and mouse models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gastrointestinal conditions that could benefit from enhanced biotherapeutic treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to gut health or those who do not require biotherapeutic interventions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for gut-related health issues by improving how therapeutic agents are delivered.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using engineered bacteria for therapeutic delivery, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Ames, United States
- Iowa State University — Ames, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mansell, Thomas J — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Mansell, Thomas J
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.