Understanding how gut bacteria use carbon from our diet
Regulation of carbon utilization in gut-resident bacteria
This study looks at how certain bacteria in our gut, especially Collinsella, use food for energy and how this affects their growth and our health, particularly in relation to conditions 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-11093745 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which gut-resident bacteria, particularly Collinsella species, regulate their use of carbon sources from food. By studying how these bacteria compete for nutrients and how their carbon consumption strategies affect their abundance in the gut, the research aims to uncover links between gut microbiota and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. The approach includes laboratory experiments and mouse models to explore these regulatory mechanisms in detail.
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 be affected by gut microbiota.
Not a fit: Patients without chronic diseases related to gut microbiota or those not interested in dietary impacts on health may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how gut bacteria influence chronic diseases, potentially guiding dietary recommendations or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gut microbiota's role in health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
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.