Understanding how gut bacteria survive inflammation
Commensal resilience mechanisms in the inflamed intestine
This study looks at how helpful gut bacteria, like Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, stay healthy and get the nutrients they need during times of intestinal inflammation, which could help us learn how to better support gut health for people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097360 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, maintain their health and function during intestinal inflammation. The study focuses on the mechanisms that allow these bacteria to acquire essential nutrients like iron, which are often limited during inflammation. By exploring how these commensal bacteria adapt to challenges in the gut, the research aims to uncover important insights into gut health and disease prevention. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how to support their gut microbiome during inflammatory conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing gastrointestinal inflammation or related disorders.
Not a fit: Patients without any gastrointestinal issues or those not affected by inflammation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing gut health and managing inflammatory bowel diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gut microbiota resilience, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Wenhan — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Wenhan
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.