Finding ways to block bacterial enzymes that worsen inflammatory bowel diseases
Official title: Targeting bacterial proteases involved in PAR signaling to treat inflammatory bowel diseases
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11129741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for new ways to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis by targeting specific enzymes made by gut bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $455,063 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK130293-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, who are seeking new treatment options may benefit from the future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory bowel diseases or those whose conditions are not linked to bacterial protease activity may not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, affect millions worldwide, causing severe symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and pain. Currently, there is no cure, and treatments mainly focus on managing these symptoms. This project explores how certain enzymes produced by bacteria in the gut might contribute to IBD by disrupting the protective lining of the intestines. Our goal is to identify these specific bacterial enzymes and develop new medications that can block their harmful effects, potentially leading to more effective treatments for IBD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that directly target the bacterial causes of inflammation in IBD, offering a novel treatment approach beyond symptom management.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of gut bacteria in IBD is recognized, targeting specific bacterial proteases involved in PAR signaling represents a novel and relatively untested therapeutic strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bogyo, Matthew — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Bogyo, Matthew
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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.