Understanding how certain bacteria process fatty acids
Official title: Enzymology of Bacteroides short and branched chain fatty acid metabolism
Funded at University of Wisconsin Parkside · NIH-10651505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in our gut break down fatty acids and how their genetic differences affect their ability to do this, which could help us understand more about gut health and how these bacteria impact our well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin Parkside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kenosha, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $372,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM150186-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10651505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gastrointestinal conditions or those interested in the health impacts of gut microbiota.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gastrointestinal issues or are not interested in microbiome-related health may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the enzymatic processes of specific bacteria, particularly focusing on how they metabolize short and branched chain fatty acids. By examining the genetic variations in these bacteria, the study aims to uncover how these differences affect their enzymatic functions and overall metabolic capabilities. The researchers will employ biochemical and genetic techniques to characterize these enzymes, which could have significant implications for gut health and microbiome function. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these bacteria influence health through their metabolic activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of gut health and potential therapeutic strategies for conditions related to microbiome imbalances.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial metabolism and its implications for health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin Parkside
Kenosha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barber, Robert — University of Wisconsin Parkside
- Study coordinator: Barber, Robert
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.