Smart probiotics that control gut metabolites for better health
Engineered Probiotics for Closed-Loop Control of Disease-Associated Gut Metabolites in Gut-On-Chip Models
['FUNDING_R21'] · NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-10875415
This study is exploring new "smart probiotics" that can help manage gut health by adjusting the levels of certain substances, like hydrogen sulfide, which can be a problem for people with Crohn's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10875415 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing engineered probiotics that can dynamically regulate the levels of specific metabolites in the gut, particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is linked to conditions like Crohn's disease. By using synthetic biology techniques, these 'smart probiotics' will be designed to either produce or consume metabolites based on their local concentrations, aiming to maintain optimal levels that support gut health. This innovative approach seeks to address the limitations of current treatments that cannot precisely control metabolite levels in the gut environment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with non-inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders or those not affected by gut metabolite imbalances may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new probiotic therapies that improve gut health and manage inflammatory bowel diseases more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: While engineered probiotics have shown promise in other contexts, this specific approach to dynamically control metabolite levels is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WOOLSTON, BENJAMIN MICHAEL — NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WOOLSTON, BENJAMIN MICHAEL
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.