Using gut bacteria to deliver genes through oral administration
Developing Outer Membranes Vesicles from Commensal Gut Bacteria as an Oral Gene Delivery Platform
This study is exploring a new way to deliver helpful genes through a simple oral method using tiny bubbles from friendly gut bacteria, aiming to improve treatments for gut diseases and make it easier for patients to stick to their therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11065517 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for delivering therapeutic genes orally using outer membrane vesicles from commensal gut bacteria. By utilizing these biological carriers, the research aims to enhance gene therapy outcomes for gastrointestinal diseases and potentially other conditions. The approach is non-invasive, promoting patient compliance and allowing for both local and systemic treatment. The study seeks to overcome current limitations in oral gene delivery, such as DNA degradation and low uptake by intestinal cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, or colon cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not affect the gastrointestinal tract or those who cannot tolerate oral therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and convenient method for gene therapy, particularly for patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While oral gene delivery is a promising area, this specific approach using outer membrane vesicles from gut bacteria is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
Lincoln, United States
- University of Nebraska Lincoln — Lincoln, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pannier, Angela K — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Pannier, Angela K
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.