Exploring how gut bacteria produce beneficial compounds from terpenoids and carotenoids

PHAGE-ENABLED MINING OF GUT METAGENOMES FOR TERPENOID AND CAROTENOID METABOLISM

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11058195

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut help make healthy compounds called terpenoids and carotenoids, and it’s for anyone interested in how these compounds might improve gut health; by sharing a sample, you can help researchers learn more about this connection!

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11058195 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of gut bacteria in producing terpenoids and carotenoids, which are important compounds with potential health benefits. By analyzing gut microbiomes, the researchers aim to understand how these compounds are synthesized and how they may affect gut health. The study employs advanced metagenomic techniques to identify and characterize the enzymes involved in these processes. Patients may contribute by providing samples that help uncover the relationship between gut bacteria and these beneficial compounds.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with diverse gut microbiomes, particularly those interested in gut health and nutrition.

Not a fit: Patients with no interest in gut health or those who do not have a diverse gut microbiome may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how gut bacteria can enhance health through the production of beneficial compounds.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in metabolizing dietary compounds, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.