Colon bile acid differences between African American and non-Hispanic White people
Colonic bile acid metabolism and responses in African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11247978
This project looks at whether differences in bile acids and how colon cells respond to them might help explain higher colorectal cancer rates in African American compared with non-Hispanic White people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247978 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare blood bile acid patterns from self-identified African American and non-Hispanic White adults. They will grow human colonic organoids (mini-colons made from donated colon tissue) in the lab to see how colon cells react to secondary bile acids like deoxycholic and lithocholic acid. The team will look for population-linked differences in bile acid metabolism and colon cell responses that could relate to colorectal cancer risk. Findings from this exploratory project would guide later mechanistic studies and larger clinical investigations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults who self-identify as African American or non-Hispanic White and are willing to provide a blood sample and possibly colon tissue (for example from a biopsy or surgery).
Not a fit: People who are unwilling or unable to provide blood or colon tissue samples, or those from other racial/ethnic groups not included in the comparison, may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological differences tied to colorectal cancer risk and point toward better prevention, screening, or targeted research for affected populations.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preliminary studies have suggested differences in bile acid levels between groups and organoid models have shown inter-ethnic responses, but this R21 is an early-stage effort to validate and expand those findings.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KUPFER, SONIA — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: KUPFER, SONIA
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.