Colonization and protein delivery by yeast in the gut of mice
Official title: Characterization of colonization and protein secretion by Pichia pastoris in the gastrointestinal tract of mice
Funded at University of the Pacific-Stockton · NIH-11393133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring a yeast-based system that makes and delivers therapeutic proteins directly in the gut of mice to simplify therapy and reduce storage problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of the Pacific-Stockton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stockton, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $168,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM157998-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to current patients; the study uses mice to model delivery; future translational work could involve patients with GI conditions.
✕Less likely to help
This work is preclinical and may not translate immediately to patient therapies.
What this research studies
This project investigates using Pichia pastoris to both produce and deliver therapeutic proteins inside the gastrointestinal tract of mice. It builds on prior work showing the yeast can survive in the gut and secrete growth factors without causing gut inflammation. The team will look at how well the yeast expresses and secretes proteins in vivo, and whether this approach minimizes purification steps and stability issues. Results could inform new, possibly simpler ways to treat GI and inflammatory conditions using engineered microbes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce therapy cost and complexity by delivering proteins directly in the gut.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests gut-delivered proteins from microbes can be tolerated without triggering inflammation, but clinical translation remains to be proven.
Where this research is happening
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University of the Pacific-Stockton
Stockton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thor, Der — University of the Pacific-Stockton
- Study coordinator: Thor, Der
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.