Understanding how gut bacteria generate energy and their impact on health
Official title: Respiration and fitness in Bacteroides
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11134579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in our gut, called Bacteroides, produce energy and how that affects both the bacteria and our overall health, using lab techniques and mouse models to learn more about their energy-making processes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $666,720 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181279-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with gastrointestinal disorders or those interested in gut microbiome health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any gastrointestinal issues or are not interested in the role of gut bacteria in health may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the energy-generating processes of Bacteroides, a dominant group of bacteria in the human gut. It aims to understand how these processes support bacterial fitness and influence host health. The study will utilize genetics, biochemistry, and mouse models to explore the respiratory pathways of Bacteroides, focusing on specific components like the NUO complex and their role in energy production. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into the complex interactions between gut bacteria and human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of gut health and potential new treatments for gut-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gut microbiota and their metabolic processes, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barquera, Blanca — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Barquera, Blanca
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.