Gut Microbes and Digestive Problems
Mechanisms of alteration of gastrointestinal physiology by gut microbes
This research explores how tiny gut organisms influence digestion and discomfort in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11125847 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes changes in stool and abdominal pain, and current treatments often don't address the root causes. This project aims to understand how the byproducts of gut microbes, called metabolites, affect the digestive system's function in people with IBS. Researchers previously found that a metabolite called tryptamine can speed up digestion and protect against inflammation, and they observed higher levels of it in people with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Now, the team is focusing on other metabolites, hypoxanthine and butyrate, which were found in lower levels in people with constipation-predominant IBS, to understand their role in the condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, especially those with constipation- or diarrhea-predominant forms, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Irritable Bowel Syndrome or those whose condition is not related to gut microbe imbalances may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome by targeting specific gut microbe imbalances.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this research group has shown promising findings regarding gut microbes and their byproducts in both animal models and human studies, though current broad microbial therapies for IBS are often ineffective.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kashyap, Purna C — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kashyap, Purna C
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.