Understanding how gut bacteria use carbon from food
Regulation of carbon utilization in gut-resident bacteria
This study looks at how certain bacteria in our gut, especially Collinsella, use the food we eat for energy and how they compete for nutrients, which could help us understand their role in health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10866521 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how gut-resident bacteria, particularly Collinsella species, regulate their use of carbon from dietary sources. By examining the mechanisms that control carbon consumption, the study aims to uncover how these bacteria compete for nutrients and how this affects their abundance in the gut. The research involves both laboratory experiments and studies in mouse models to explore these regulatory processes. Insights gained could help in understanding the relationship between gut bacteria and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or atherosclerosis who may benefit from insights into gut microbiome regulation.
Not a fit: Patients without chronic diseases or those not affected by gut microbiome imbalances may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing chronic diseases linked to gut bacteria, potentially improving patient health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms being studied may be novel, previous research has shown that understanding gut microbiota can significantly impact chronic disease management.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolf, Ashley Robin — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Wolf, Ashley Robin
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.