Bacteria-made compounds to prevent colon cancer linked to GPR109A and ketone metabolism
Official title: Bacteria-derived xenobiotics in colon cancer prevention: Link to GPR109A and colonic ketogenesis
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11361675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests how bacterial byproducts and ketone-related signals in the gut might help prevent colon cancer by engaging GPR109A and p53 pathways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $419,919 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275840-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for colon cancer or with early disease linked to p53/KRAS mutations may benefit from future prevention or therapeutic approaches informed by this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to relevant carcinogens or without colon cancer risk factors may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project looks at how compounds produced by gut bacteria and ketone bodies interact with a specific receptor, GPR109A, which may influence cancer-related p53 activity in the colon. Researchers will study how these interactions affect cancer risk linked to common environmental carcinogens like benzo[a]pyrene and azoxymethane in model systems and human-relevant contexts. The work aims to identify approaches that could rejuvenate normal p53 function or counteract p53 mutations to help prevent colon cancer. Findings could point to dietary, microbial, or pharmacologic strategies to reduce colon cancer risk in people exposed to dietary carcinogens. The grant emphasizes translational potential, bridging basic biology with options for real-world prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to prevent colon cancer by leveraging gut bacteria and ketone signaling to support healthy p53 function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown links between gut metabolites, GPR109A signaling, and cancer-related pathways, but the specific connection to p53 function and KRAS mutations in colon cancer is an active, ongoing area.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thangaraju, Muthusamy — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Thangaraju, Muthusamy
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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.