Exploring how gut bacteria produce beneficial compounds from terpenoids and carotenoids
Official title: PHAGE-ENABLED MINING OF GUT METAGENOMES FOR TERPENOID AND CAROTENOID METABOLISM
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11058195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $411,221 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT012805-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals with diverse gut microbiomes, particularly those interested in gut health and nutrition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in gut health or those who do not have a diverse gut microbiome may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crook, Nathan C. — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Crook, Nathan C.
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.