Understanding how certain fats influence interactions between humans and gut microbes

Sphingolipid-dependent host-microbe interactions

NIH-funded research Cornell University · NIH-10849659

This study is looking at how certain fats in your body, called sphingolipids, help your gut talk to good bacteria, and it’s for anyone interested in how what we eat can affect our gut health and the tiny microbes living in it.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project IDNIH-10849659 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of sphingolipids, a type of fat, in the communication between the human gut and beneficial microbes. By examining how these molecules are produced and exchanged between hosts and microbes, the study aims to uncover their impact on gut health and microbial communities. Researchers will utilize advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to measure sphingolipids and track their movement between the host and microbes. This could lead to insights on how diet and microbial interactions affect overall health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in gut health, particularly those with conditions related to gut microbiome imbalances.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have any gastrointestinal issues or are not interested in dietary impacts on health may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of gut health and lead to new dietary recommendations or therapies that improve microbial balance in the intestines.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding host-microbe interactions through lipid signaling, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Ithaca, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.