# Impact of gut microbiome composition on neuroendocrine signaling and feeding behavior in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

> **NIH NIH F32** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2020 · $70,146

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) was recently added to DSM-5 and is common among
adolescents and young adults. ARFID is characterized by restrictive eating defined by consuming an
inadequate volume or variety of food. Most individuals with ARFID limit their diet to processed grains and dairy
foods but avoid fruits, vegetables, and protein. The health consequences of ARFID include poor growth, low
weight, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and psychosocial impairment; however the pathophysiology remains
totally unknown. Restricted dietary patterns have many consequences including altering the gut microbiota
profile and levels of key appetite-regulating hormones that act as messengers between gut and brain.
Conversely, the gut microbiota may contribute to persistent restrictive feeding behaviors by generating
cravings for preferred foods or reducing overall food intake. Currently there are no studies that have examined
the host microbiome in ARFID and its contribution to maladaptive feeding behaviors via neuroendocrine
modulation. This proposal examines novel hypotheses by leveraging data from a funded R01 (MH108595),
featuring measures of eating pathology, levels of appetite-regulating hormones, and stool microbiome
composition. We will utilize an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to examine the relationship between host
microbiome, endocrine signaling, and feeding behaviors in ARFID. In both a cross-sectional and longitudinal
analysis of individuals with ARFID and age-and sex-matched healthy controls, we propose to (1) characterize
the gut microbiome in individuals with ARFID and healthy-weight controls, and (2) determine the predictive
capacity of microbial phenotypes as potential biomarkers for changes in feeding behavior and improved diet
variety among individuals with ARFID. Our findings will provide insight into the therapeutic potential of the
microbiome and its contribution to disorder persistence or recovery. In collaboration with my co-sponsors (Drs.
Lawson, Thomas, and Erdman) and expert collaborators (Drs. Alm, Eddy, and Misra), I have developed a
comprehensive training plan that will prepare me with the requisite skill set for a research career investigating
neurobiological and microbial mechanisms underlying aberrant feeding behaviors in patients with eating
disorders. My F32 training and career development goals are to (1) enhance my knowledge of eating disorder
pathophysiology, (2) cultivate skills in interpretation of neuroendocrine and microbiome data, and (3) provide a
strong statistical, conceptual, and methodological foundation for submission of a K award application and
further advance my research program and career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10003416
- **Project number:** 5F32MH118824-03
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephanie Geris Harshman
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $70,146
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2021-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10003416

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10003416, Impact of gut microbiome composition on neuroendocrine signaling and feeding behavior in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (5F32MH118824-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10003416. Licensed CC0.

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