Gut bacteria and colon changes that influence colon polyp development
The gut microbiome, interactions with primed colon states, and effects on adenoma formation and progression
This project looks at how gut bacteria and early changes in the colon may cause colorectal polyps for people at risk of colon cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182679 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You might be asked to provide stool or tissue samples so researchers can link human data to lab work. The team will compare microbiome patterns from aggressive versus slow-growing adenomas in people and use germ-free (gnotobiotic) mice to test whether those bacteria drive polyp formation. They will apply advanced DNA-based metagenomic analyses and statistical mediation methods to untangle how a "primed" colon and microbes work together. The overall aim is to discover bacterial signatures or mechanisms that could guide personalized prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults undergoing colonoscopy or with a history of colorectal adenomas who can provide stool or tissue samples.
Not a fit: People without colorectal polyps or with conditions not related to the colon microbiome may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to microbiome-based approaches to prevent polyps and lower colorectal cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies have linked gut bacteria to colorectal polyps, but turning those links into proven prevention strategies is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dey, Neelendu — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Dey, Neelendu
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 below.