Investigating how gut bacteria affect ALS
Role of the Intestinal Microbiota in ALS
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the gut might affect ALS, a serious disease that affects the nerves, by comparing the gut bacteria of people with ALS to those who are healthy, and it also tests whether giving certain helpful bacteria can improve the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11014973 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the intestinal microbiome in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disease. The study examines how gut bacteria and their metabolites influence immune responses and disease pathways in ALS patients. By comparing the microbiomes of ALS patients to healthy individuals, researchers aim to identify specific bacterial changes that may impact disease progression. The research also investigates the effects of administering certain beneficial bacteria to potentially reverse harmful changes associated with ALS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those without a diagnosis of ALS may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that harness the gut microbiome to improve outcomes for ALS patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiner, Howard L — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Weiner, Howard L
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.