Understanding gut bacteria in Parkinson's disease
A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease
This research explores how gut bacteria might be connected to Parkinson's disease in people.
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 ID | NIH-11168942 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with Parkinson's disease experience constipation before other symptoms appear, suggesting a link between gut health and the brain. This project aims to understand if changes in gut bacteria, called dysbiosis, cause or result from Parkinson's disease. We will look at gut bacteria and their byproducts in people with Parkinson's at different stages and with varying symptoms. By collecting clinical information and stool samples over time, we hope to uncover how gut bacteria influence the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is looking for people with Parkinson's disease who have different ages of onset, clinical symptoms, and disease severity.
Not a fit: Patients not diagnosed with Parkinson's disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict, prevent, or treat Parkinson's disease by targeting gut bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: The idea of a "Gut Microbiome-Brain Axis" in Parkinson's disease is a growing area of interest, with other research also exploring this connection.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Tao — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Xie, Tao
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.