Investigating how bacterial signals affect stress and depression
Official title: Autoinducer-2 and depression
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11058119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a molecule made by gut bacteria, called AI-2, might affect how our bodies handle stress and could be linked to depression, with the goal of finding new ways to help people dealing with stress-related mental health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $549,140 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136006-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic stress or depression, particularly those interested in the gut-brain connection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience stress-related disorders or have no interest in the microbiome's role in mental health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a bacterial signaling molecule, autoinducer-2 (AI-2), in the body's response to stress and its potential link to depression. The study aims to understand how stress influences the production of AI-2 by gut bacteria and how this, in turn, affects behavior. By examining the relationship between stress, gut microbiome changes, and AI-2, researchers hope to uncover new pathways that could lead to innovative treatments for stress-related psychiatric conditions. The methodology includes manipulating bacterial AI-2 levels and observing the resulting behavioral changes in response to stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing stress and depression by targeting gut bacteria and their signaling mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using bacterial signaling in stress response is relatively novel, there is growing evidence supporting the gut-brain axis and its influence on mental health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beurel, Eleonore — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Beurel, Eleonore
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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.