Understanding the human virome's impact on health through biospecimen collection
Official title: Human Virome Characterization Center for the Oral-Gut-Brain Axis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10990431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is gathering and analyzing samples from patients to better understand the viruses in our bodies and how they relate to our oral, gut, and brain health, all while making sure everything is done ethically and with care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $996,113 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AG089335-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals who are willing to provide biological samples and are interested in contributing to research on the oral-gut-brain axis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in participating in biospecimen collection or those with conditions unrelated to the virome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a high-quality repository of biological samples to study the human virome, which refers to the collection of viruses present in the human body. By utilizing the established infrastructure at UCLA, the project aims to standardize the collection and management of these samples while ensuring ethical compliance. Patients' biospecimens will be collected and analyzed to explore the connections between the oral, gut, and brain health. This comprehensive approach will involve rigorous training and quality control to ensure the reliability of the data collected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of how the human virome influences various health conditions, potentially leading to improved treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the human microbiome's role in health, suggesting that similar approaches to studying the virome could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Tien Sy — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Dong, Tien Sy
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.