NIH-funded research R03 grant

Differences in gut bacteria between African Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites with polyps

Official title: Archaea in African Americans with polyps

Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10753564 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at the differences in certain gut bacteria between African Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites who have polyps, which can lead to colorectal cancer, to better understand how these differences might affect cancer risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project startDecember 12, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$79,950
NIH project number5R03CA277166-02
Project IDNIH-10753564 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are African Americans with or without polyps, as well as Non-Hispanic Whites with or without polyps.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have polyps or are not of African American or Non-Hispanic White descent may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the differences in archaea, a type of gut bacteria, between African Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites who have polyps, which are growths that can lead to colorectal cancer. By analyzing existing samples, the study aims to identify variations in the types and functions of these archaea in both groups. The researchers will use advanced techniques like qPCR and metagenomic sequencing to explore these differences and their potential role in colorectal cancer disparities. This study is the first of its kind to focus on the gut microbiome of African Americans in relation to polyps.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing colorectal cancer in African Americans by targeting gut bacteria.

How similar studies have gone: While this research approach is novel in examining archaea in the gut microbiome of African Americans, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding microbiome differences in other populations.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mutlu, Ece a. — University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Mutlu, Ece a.

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.