Exploring gut bacteria and metabolites to find new types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Official title: A Systems Biology Approach Using Fecal Microbiota and Metabolomics to Identify Novel Subtypes in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10848525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut and their byproducts can help us understand the different types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and find better ways to treat it, so if you have IBS, your participation could help improve your care!
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 19, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $145,800 |
| NIH project number | 3K23DK124567-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, particularly those experiencing diarrhea-predominant symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other gastrointestinal disorders or those not diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the interactions between gut bacteria and metabolites can help identify different subtypes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). By analyzing fecal samples and using advanced statistical methods, the study aims to uncover biological responses to various treatments. Patients may provide samples and participate in assessments that could lead to more personalized and effective management of their IBS symptoms. The research is led by Dr. Allen Lee, a gastroenterologist focused on improving care for IBS patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more tailored treatments for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microbiota analysis to inform treatment strategies for gastrointestinal disorders, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Allen a — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lee, Allen a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Identifying new subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome using gut bacteria and metabolites.
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut and their byproducts can help us understand the different types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and figure out which treatments might work best for you.
-
Proteolytic Activity-Guided Fecal Microbiota Transplant for PI-IBS
A pilot study will test a targeted fecal microbiota transplant to help adults with post-infection irritable bowel syndrome feel better and have fewer GI symptoms.
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Gut bacteria, inflammation, and metabolism in heat-related sickness among farmworkers
This project looks at whether gut bacteria, inflammation, and certain blood chemicals are linked to heat-related sickness in people who work in extreme heat.
-
A new way to use gut bacteria transplants for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This research explores if a special type of fecal microbiota transplant, guided by specific gut enzyme activity, can safely and effectively improve symptoms for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome that developed after an infection.
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How missing gut bacteria may drive post-infection irritable bowel syndrome
This project aims to restore missing gut bacteria in adults with post-infection IBS to reduce harmful protein‑breaking enzymes that may cause gut damage and symptoms.
-
Exploring how gut bacteria and inflammation affect heat-related illness
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect inflammation and heat-related illnesses in farm workers who work in extreme heat, to help find ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
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.