Understanding how essential metals affect gut bacteria
Elucidating Molecular-Level Roles of Essential Metals in Gut Bacteria with New Fluorescent Protein-Based Metal Ion Sensors
This study is looking at how important metals like zinc and iron affect good bacteria in your gut, especially a type called Lactobacillus, to help understand how what you eat might influence gut health and your risk of digestive issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10886528 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of essential metals like zinc and iron in the gut microbiota, particularly focusing on Lactobacillus species. By developing innovative fluorescent protein-based sensors, the study aims to observe how these metals influence bacterial growth and communication in live cultures. The research will utilize both pure and complex gut model cultures to assess how metal ion levels change over time and their impact on gut health. This work seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link dietary metal intake to gastrointestinal diseases and infection susceptibility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gastrointestinal diseases or those interested in the effects of diet on gut health.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have gastrointestinal issues or are not affected by dietary changes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations and treatments for gastrointestinal diseases by understanding the role of essential metals in gut health.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using fluorescent sensors in this context may be novel, previous research has shown that dietary metals significantly impact gut microbiota and health.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zastrow, Melissa Lynn — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Zastrow, Melissa Lynn
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.