Investigating how gut bacteria affect brain health and protect against Alzheimer's disease
Official title: How do microbiota determine neuronal function and protect against neurodegeneration?
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11170835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect brain health, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's, by using tiny worms to see if certain bacteria and their nutrients, like vitamin B12, can help keep our brain cells healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $647,979 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG086504-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodegenerative diseases other than Alzheimer's may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between gut microbiota and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. By using a simple model organism, C. elegans, the study aims to identify how specific bacteria and their metabolites influence neuronal health and protect against degeneration. The researchers will investigate the protective effects of vitamin B12 produced by bacteria and other mechanisms that may help maintain neuronal integrity. This approach could lead to a better understanding of how gut health impacts brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting gut microbiota.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Byrne, Alexandra — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Byrne, Alexandra
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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.