Finding ways to block bacterial enzymes that worsen inflammatory bowel diseases

Targeting bacterial proteases involved in PAR signaling to treat inflammatory bowel diseases

['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11129741

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11129741 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.