Understanding Viruses in Your Gut
Investigating the role of phage in the gut microbiome
This research explores how tiny viruses in your gut, called phages, influence the overall health of your digestive system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132639 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our gut contains many tiny living things, including bacteria and viruses called phages, which play a big role in our health. This project aims to understand how these phages specifically influence the balance of bacteria in your gut. Researchers will look closely at how certain phages interact with common gut bacteria like E. coli and how these interactions might give bacteria an advantage. They also plan to explore what happens to the gut when specific phages are removed, especially during changes in diet or when antibiotics are used. This work will help us discover the important ways phages can affect your gut health and how your body processes food.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive immediate direct benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for maintaining a healthy gut and potentially addressing digestive issues.
How similar studies have performed: While the gut microbiome is a well-studied area, this project aims to develop new methods to understand the specific and often overlooked role of phages.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Bryan Boen — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Bryan Boen
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.