Understanding the effects of gut microbiota transplants on health
Official title: Probing short and long term consequences of Small and Large Bowel Microbiota Transplants on Host Physiology: Implications for the development of future live biotherapeutics
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11019676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gut bacteria from different parts of the intestines can affect your health over time, especially for people getting treatments like Fecal Microbiota Transplant, to see if matching the right bacteria to the right gut area can help improve your gut health and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $694,768 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138072-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019676 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients suffering from Clostridioides difficile infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable gut microbiota or those not experiencing gut-related health issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how transplants of gut microbiota from small and large bowel sources affect the body's physiology over time. It focuses on the potential mismatches between the microbiota and the specific regions of the gut, which could lead to adverse health outcomes. By analyzing the composition of gut microbiota and its impact on various disorders, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of treatments like Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) and Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs). Patients may be monitored for changes in their gut health and overall well-being as a result of these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for gut-related disorders, improving patient health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microbiota transplants for treating certain gut disorders, but this specific approach is exploring new territory regarding regional microbiota mismatches.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Eugene B — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chang, Eugene B
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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.