Understanding how viruses that infect bacteria affect gut health
Official title: From cells to communities: The multi-scale impacts of bacteriophages in the gut microbiome
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10873199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses that target bacteria, called bacteriophages, work in our gut and how they might help us fight infections that don't respond to antibiotics, which could lead to better treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150996-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from gastrointestinal disorders or infections that are resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gastrointestinal issues or are not affected by antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, in the human gut microbiome. It aims to explore how these phages interact with bacteria and the overall microbial community, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance. By employing advanced data generation and analysis methods, the research seeks to uncover the dynamics of phage-bacteria interactions and their implications for gut health. This knowledge could lead to improved therapeutic strategies, such as phage therapy, to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using phage therapy to treat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be a viable solution to antibiotic resistance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hryckowian, Andrew John — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Hryckowian, Andrew John
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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.