Microbes and the body's hormonal signals in a tiny worm
Official title: Microbial modulation of endocrine signaling in C. elegans
Funded at Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge · NIH-11384875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how gut microbes affect hormonal signals that control metabolism, using a tiny worm to model how this could influence type 2 diabetes and related heart and kidney issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $375,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM160529-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384875 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome whose condition could benefit from improved gut–hormone interactions and metabolic regulation.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic disorders or those not affected by gut–endocrine signaling may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how gut bacteria and their chemical byproducts influence enteroendocrine cells and insulin-related pathways in C. elegans, a well-characterized model organism. By examining how microbes alter hormone signaling and energy balance in this worm, they aim to uncover mechanisms that could translate to human metabolic diseases. The project combines genetics, microbiology, and metabolic biology to map how specific microbes interact with endocrine systems across life stages. This approach could highlight targets for future therapies that improve glucose control and cardiovascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify microbial or hormonal targets to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in people with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in model organisms supports a link between microbiota and endocrine control of metabolism, suggesting potential translatability to humans is promising but still early.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Fan — Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Fan
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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.