Dietary taurine and a gut microbe linked to colon cancer
Interaction between dietary taurine and microbiota sulfur metabolism in the development of colorectal cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11251763
This project looks at whether taurine in foods and drinks helps a specific gut bacterium make harmful sulfur compounds that could raise colon cancer risk, especially in younger adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251763 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models that develop colon tumors and give them taurine in the diet to mimic high-taurine consumption, with or without colonization by the gut bacterium Bilophila wadsworthia. They will check whether the bacterium converts taurine into hydrogen sulfide, which can damage DNA, and whether that promotes tumor formation. The team will track changes in the overall gut microbiome, measure DNA damage and tumor development, and use CRISPR tools to identify the bacterial genes responsible. The work is done in a lab setting to understand a mechanism that could relate to human colorectal cancer risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is a preclinical project that does not enroll patients, but its findings would be most relevant to younger adults at risk for colorectal cancer and people who regularly consume taurine-rich products like some energy drinks.
Not a fit: People whose colorectal cancer is driven by unrelated genetic or environmental causes or who do not consume taurine-rich diets may not directly benefit from the specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to dietary advice, microbiome testing, or ways to block harmful bacterial sulfur metabolism to reduce colorectal cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies and the team's preliminary mouse data suggest diet-driven sulfur metabolism by gut bacteria can promote colon cancer, but the specific taurine–Bilophila wadsworthia mechanism remains a new and early-stage finding.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JOBIN, CHRISTIAN — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: JOBIN, CHRISTIAN
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.