Gut bacterial enzymes and human health
Gut Microbial Enzymes and Human Disease
This project looks at whether blocking specific enzymes made by gut bacteria can help prevent repeat C. difficile infections and lower gut-derived toxins that harm the kidneys and heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290381 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map the shapes and functions of several enzymes made by bacteria in the human gut and use those maps to design small molecules that block enzyme activity. They will focus on bile salt hydrolases, tryptophan-indole lyases, and beta-glucuronidases because of links to recurrent C. difficile infection and production of toxins like indoxyl-sulfate. The team will combine structural biology, chemistry, and multi-omics analyses to track how enzyme changes affect microbes and host tissues. Findings will come from laboratory work and studies that compare microbial enzymes across samples relevant to human disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with recurrent C. difficile infection or patients with kidney or heart disease linked to gut-derived toxins who can provide stool or other clinical samples.
Not a fit: People without gut-related conditions or whose illnesses are unrelated to microbial enzymes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce recurrent C. difficile infections and lower gut-derived toxins that worsen kidney and heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies have identified these enzymes and produced early inhibitors, but translating these findings into human treatments is still novel and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Redinbo, Matthew R — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Redinbo, Matthew R
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.