Investigating how herbicides affect gut bacteria and obesity
Official title: Defining the impact of developmental herbicide exposures on gut microbiome physiology and interactions with health
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11044359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how common weed killers might affect the good bacteria in our guts and how that could lead to weight gain, especially if people are exposed to these chemicals when they are young.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $622,235 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036174-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to herbicides during critical developmental periods and are experiencing weight gain or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to herbicides or do not have concerns related to obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of common herbicides on gut microbiome health and their potential role in promoting obesity. It focuses on how early life exposure to herbicides like glyphosate, atrazine, and 2,4-D can disrupt gut bacteria, which are crucial for regulating energy metabolism. By using innovative methods such as germ-free animal models and microbiome transplants, the study aims to identify specific microbial changes linked to increased body fat. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between environmental factors and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing obesity by understanding how environmental exposures influence gut health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that disruptions in gut microbiota can influence obesity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaulke, Christopher a — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Gaulke, Christopher a
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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.