Understanding the role of viruses in the oral-gut-brain connection
Official title: Human Virome Characterization Center for the Oral-Gut-Brain Axis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10990432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses in our bodies might affect our health, especially the connection between our gut and brain, and if you join in by sharing samples, you could help us learn more about this important relationship.
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) | $1,822,579 |
| NIH project number | 1U54AG089335-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with gastrointestinal issues, neurological disorders, or oral health problems who are willing to provide biospecimen samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in contributing biospecimens or those without conditions related to the oral-gut-brain axis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on analyzing biospecimens to explore the human virome, which includes the collection and examination of viral and microbiome samples from various sources. Using advanced sequencing techniques, researchers aim to characterize the interactions between viruses and the gut-brain axis, potentially revealing how these interactions affect health and disease. Patients may contribute samples that will be analyzed to uncover insights into the virome's role in various conditions. The research will also adapt new technologies as they become available to enhance the analysis process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how viral interactions influence health, potentially improving treatments for conditions linked to the oral-gut-brain axis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the microbiome's role in health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, though the specific focus on the virome in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ross, Matthew Clayton — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ross, Matthew Clayton
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.