Understanding how bacteria interact in the gut
Official title: Spatially Organized Bacterial Interaction Networks in the Gut Microbiota
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11083612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of bacteria in your gut interact with each other and with food particles, using special mice to see which bacteria stick together and how that affects their health, all to help us understand more about keeping our gut healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $372,134 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150732-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083612 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in understanding gut microbiota and its impact on health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those who are not interested in the role of gut bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between different bacterial species in the human gut, focusing on how they adhere to dietary particles. By using innovative methods, such as artificial food particles coated with specific sugars, the researchers aim to identify which bacteria stick together and how this affects their survival and function. The study will involve experiments in specially designed mice to observe these interactions in a controlled environment. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the mechanisms that allow certain bacteria to thrive while excluding others, which could have implications for gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing gut health and treating gastrointestinal diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial interactions in the gut, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patnode, Michael L — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Patnode, Michael L
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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.