Investigating how antibiotics affect gut bacteria and depression
Official title: A Model of Antibiotic-induced Gut Dysbiosis and Depressive Symptomatology
Funded at University of Nebraska Omaha · NIH-11055356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how antibiotics might change the bacteria in our gut and how that could affect feelings of depression, using marmosets to help us understand this connection better and explore possible treatments like fecal transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Omaha NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $126,738 |
| NIH project number | 5K01OD030514-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced depression following antibiotic treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been treated with antibiotics or do not suffer from depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between gut bacteria and depression, particularly how antibiotics may lead to changes in gut microbiome and contribute to depressive symptoms. Using a nonhuman primate model, the common marmoset, the study will examine how antibiotic treatment alters gut bacteria and impacts behavior. The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind these changes and evaluate potential treatments, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, to alleviate depression caused by antibiotic use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for depression linked to antibiotic use.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using nonhuman primates is novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that gut microbiome alterations can influence mental health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clayton, Jonathan Brent — University of Nebraska Omaha
- Study coordinator: Clayton, Jonathan Brent
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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.