Exploring how gut microbes produce molecules that affect health
Official title: Reverse Metabolomics for the Discovery of Disease Associated Microbial Molecules
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11045088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how what we eat affects the tiny microbes in our gut and how these microbes can impact our health, with the goal of creating a helpful resource for scientists to better understand how these interactions might play a role in diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $729,823 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136117-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals interested in understanding the role of gut health in their overall well-being, particularly those with conditions related to metabolism or digestive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in dietary interventions or those not affected by gut microbiota-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between diet, gut microbiota, and human health by identifying and characterizing microbial metabolites. The project aims to create a comprehensive knowledgebase of these metabolites, which are often unrecognized but can significantly influence health outcomes. By synthesizing and analyzing millions of microbial molecules, the research seeks to uncover their bioactivities and potential roles in diseases. This knowledge will be made accessible to the scientific community to enhance understanding and development of nutritional precision medicine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how gut microbes influence health, potentially guiding personalized dietary recommendations and treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding microbial metabolites and their health impacts, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dorrestein, Pieter C — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Dorrestein, Pieter C
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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.