# Characterizing bioelectrical signaling between the gut microbiota and the host

> **NIH NIH R35** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2024 · $388,135

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Cellular communication is a complex interplay of biochemical, biophysical, and bioelectrical signaling. Beyond
well-known neuronal action potentials, various mechanisms of bioelectricity play a pivotal role in most host
processes. Its significance extends to microbial realms, facilitating communication within and between bacterial
species in environmental biofilms. Our preliminary studies, along with others, indicate the potential for
interkingdom bioelectric interactions, particularly between gut microbes and their mammalian hosts. Yet, the
bioelectrical aspect of this interface remains largely unexplored, necessitating innovative tools and dedicated
research. While traditional gut microbiota research has identified correlations between microbial shifts and
diseases, our laboratory aims to delve deeper, uncovering the precise mechanisms of gut-host communication
at the cellular and molecular levels. We plan to harness cutting-edge advancements in gut microbial research,
unique bacterial filament characterization, and pioneering bioelectrical tools to modulate bacterial and host
signals. Intriguingly, certain soil bacteria can thrive on and release electrons directly, bypassing conventional
energy sources. They utilize extracellular electron transfer mechanisms, such as conductive nanowires, to move
electrons into or out of their cells. The role of this mechanism in the competitive landscape of the intestinal
environment remains uncharted. We postulate that bacteria in the mouse gut utilize these conductive nanowires
for successful colonization and to exchange electrical signals with the intestinal barrier, which in turn influences
broader bioelectric signaling in the host. We anticipate that bacteria with nanowires will have a competitive edge
over nanowire-deficient mutants. Our proposal's primary objectives are to characterize the production and
functional implications of these conductive nanowires in human gut microbes. We aim to explore the intricate,
bidirectional interactions between the gut microbe and its host. We believe these interactions have far-reaching
implications, influencing not just the gut but also the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Deciphering
these interactions could pave the way for innovative bioelectrical therapeutic strategies for both intestinal and
systemic conditions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10939992
- **Project number:** 1R35GM154890-01
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Brittany Needham
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $388,135
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10939992

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10939992, Characterizing bioelectrical signaling between the gut microbiota and the host (1R35GM154890-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10939992. Licensed CC0.

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