Gut microbe molecule TMAO and the immune fight against pancreatic cancer
Characterizing the sources, mechanisms, and translational relevance of microbial TMAO in driving anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer.
This research looks at whether a chemical made by gut microbes, called TMAO, can help the immune system attack pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286856 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is searching for chemicals made by gut bacteria that change immune cells inside pancreatic tumors. They use global metabolite screening (LC-MS/MS) to find candidates and then test TMAO in mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by giving it directly or feeding its precursor. The researchers study how TMAO changes tumor-associated macrophages and how that affects CD8 T cells and tumor growth. Findings will guide whether TMAO-related approaches could move toward treatments for people with pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) would be the intended patient group for therapies that might arise from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors do not respond to immune-based changes driven by TMAO-related pathways would likely not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost anti-tumor immunity and improve treatment response in pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies, including the team's own mouse experiments, have shown promising immune activation and tumor reduction, but human clinical evidence is not yet available.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shinde, Rahul Suresh — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Shinde, Rahul Suresh
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.