Understanding how gut bacteria affect the brain in neurodevelopmental conditions
Unraveling gut-microbiome-brain interactions in neurodevelopmental disorders
This research explores how specific gut bacteria might influence brain function and behavior in people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are learning how the bacteria in your gut can powerfully communicate with your brain, affecting behaviors like social interaction. This project uses advanced techniques to discover the exact ways a particular gut microbe, L. reuteri, can improve social challenges seen in models of neurodevelopmental disorders. We aim to uncover the molecular and genetic changes this microbe causes in the brain and how it sends signals along the gut-brain pathway. Ultimately, this work could lead to new, gentle treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders that focus on gut health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders who experience social difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients without neurodevelopmental disorders or those whose conditions are unrelated to gut-brain axis dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific research direction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, non-invasive treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders that improve social function by targeting gut microbes.
How similar studies have performed: While the gut-brain connection is an active area of investigation, this specific approach to reversing social deficits using a particular gut microbe is a novel and promising area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sahin, Ergun — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sahin, Ergun
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.