Investigating the role of gut bacteria in Parkinson's disease
Official title: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10987823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect Parkinson's disease, and it aims to find specific types of gut bacteria that could help track the disease's progress, so if you have Parkinson's, your participation could help improve understanding of your condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U01DK140936-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or those who do not experience gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how changes in gut microbiota may influence the development and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). By examining fecal samples and clinical data from PD patients, the study aims to identify specific gut bacteria that could serve as biomarkers for the disease. The research will involve both cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of gut health in relation to PD symptoms. Patients will be monitored over time to assess how gut microbiota changes correlate with their clinical condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new microbiome-based treatments that improve the management of Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection in various neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Tao — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Xie, Tao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Gut microbiome clues for Parkinson’s disease progression
A study looks at how gut bacteria and their chemicals relate to Parkinson’s disease over time to find potential biomarkers and new treatment ideas.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease and how they relate to disease severity and progression
A study at Rush University Medical Center will look at how gut health and brain disease interact in people with Parkinson’s to better understand how the illness grows and gets worse.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease
This project looks at gut bacteria and the chemicals they make in people with Parkinson's disease over time to find patterns linked to symptoms and progression.
-
Gut–brain connections in Parkinson's disease
This project adds gut and brain tests to look for gut-based signs that track Parkinson's disease progression in people living with Parkinson's.
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.