Using Lactobacillus to reduce gastrointestinal damage from radiation exposure
Official title: Mitigation of GI-ARS by Lactobacillus species
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10991008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain friendly bacteria, called Lactobacillus, might help protect your gut from damage caused by radiation, especially if you've experienced gastrointestinal issues from it, and it hopes to find new ways to help you recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $473,168 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI172991-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to radiation or are at risk of exposure, such as those involved in nuclear incidents or certain medical treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or do not have gastrointestinal issues related to radiation exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific Lactobacillus species can help protect the gut from damage caused by radiation exposure, particularly in cases of Gastrointestinal Acute Radiation Syndrome (GI-ARS). The study focuses on understanding how radiation alters the gut microbiome and identifying the mechanisms behind this process. By administering Lactobacillus casei and plantarum after radiation exposure, the research aims to mitigate gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Patients may benefit from insights into new treatments that could improve recovery from radiation-related injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from gastrointestinal damage due to radiation exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using probiotics to support gut health, suggesting that this approach may be viable for mitigating radiation effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Radhakrishna — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rao, Radhakrishna
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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.