Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
Official title: Identifying and targeting gut microbial mechanisms that contribute to methotrexate response in rheumatoid arthritis
Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-11606746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how gut bacteria affect how well methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to make MTX effective for more patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002557-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11606746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with inflammatory arthritis who are treated with methotrexate and whose response to MTX varies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not using MTX or whose condition does not involve gut-microbiome interactions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores the gut microbiome's role in how patients with inflammatory arthritis respond to low-dose methotrexate. It builds on prior findings that gut microbes can influence MTX effectiveness and immune activity, and it will identify microbial genes linked to MTX sensitivity. By understanding these interactions, the study may reveal ways to modify the microbiome to improve treatment outcomes in RA. The work involves analyses of patient samples and models to uncover mechanisms that could guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to personalized strategies that enhance MTX response by targeting the gut microbiome.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings suggest gut microbiota can influence MTX response, with early evidence supporting this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nayak, Renuka Rajendra — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nayak, Renuka Rajendra
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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.