Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome and Its Environment
Nutritional landscape and community interactions in the vaginal microbiome
This project explores how nutrients and bacteria interact in the vagina to keep it healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11095846 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies contain many tiny organisms, and in the vagina, these form a complex community called the microbiome. This project aims to understand how different nutrients available in the vagina influence which bacteria thrive and how they interact with each other. By learning more about these relationships, we hope to better define what makes a vaginal microbiome healthy and stable. We will specifically look at how metals are available in the vaginal tract and how they might shape the bacterial community. This foundational knowledge is key to improving our understanding of vaginal health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but its findings could eventually benefit individuals seeking to maintain or restore vaginal health.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate new treatments or direct clinical interventions will not find them through this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to support a healthy vaginal microbiome and prevent conditions linked to imbalances.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of microbial ecology is established, this specific focus on the nutritional landscape and metal availability in the vaginal tract represents a novel approach to understanding community stability.
Where this research is happening
Knoxville, United States
- University of Tennessee Knoxville — Knoxville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burcham, Lindsey Renae — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Burcham, Lindsey Renae
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.