Using engineered probiotics to reduce radiation injury effects
Official title: LR-IL-22 for Mitigation and Management of Radiation Injuries
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11293162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri might help protect your gut and help it heal after radiation exposure, and it will also test if combining it with other treatments makes it work even better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $99,639 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI172885-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11293162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced total or partial body irradiation, such as cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specially engineered probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri, can help mitigate the harmful effects of radiation exposure on the gastrointestinal system. By administering this probiotic orally, the study aims to enhance the recovery of intestinal stem cells that are damaged by radiation. The approach focuses on restoring the levels of a protective molecule called IL-22, which is crucial for gut health and recovery after radiation exposure. The research will also explore the combination of this probiotic with other treatments to improve its effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients suffering from radiation injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using probiotics for gut health, but this specific approach with engineered Lactobacillus reuteri is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenberger, Joel S — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Greenberger, Joel S
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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.