Understanding how gut bacteria affect cell stress responses
Official title: Linking a prominent gut microbiome-derived metabolite to host proteostasis
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10889049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a molecule made by gut bacteria, called lithocholic acid, affects how our bodies handle stress at the cellular level, which could help us understand its role in liver health and diseases like metabolic disorders and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM149112-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, or cancers that may be influenced by cellular stress responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular stress or those not affected by gut microbiome interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific molecule produced by gut bacteria, known as lithocholic acid (LCA), influences the body's response to cellular stress. By examining how LCA activates a signaling pathway related to protein folding and cellular health, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this interaction. The research employs various physiological models and advanced techniques to explore the effects of LCA on liver function and the broader implications for diseases linked to cellular stress, such as metabolic disorders and cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into treating diseases related to cellular stress, potentially improving outcomes for patients with metabolic disorders and certain cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiome metabolites in human health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maier, Nolan Kenji Kwaisun — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Maier, Nolan Kenji Kwaisun
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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.