Gut microbiome biomarkers to tailor obesity-related colorectal cancer risk
Official title: Guild-Based Microbiome Biomarkers of Precision Risk Stratification for Obesity-related Cancer
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11584617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to develop AI-powered microbiome clues from gut bacteria to better predict and stage colorectal cancer linked to obesity, helping people understand their risk and care options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $231,278 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM130423-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11584617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for or diagnosed with obesity-related colorectal cancer, including individuals from rural populations, who consent to microbiome analysis and AI-guided risk assessment.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without colorectal cancer or obesity-related risk factors may not gain direct benefit, though broader knowledge could still inform future research.
What this research studies
Colorectal cancer linked to obesity is a major health concern, especially in rural communities. This research uses gut bacteria data and advanced AI to create an accurate classifier that can distinguish colorectal cancer from non-cancer and identify cancer stage. By focusing on genome-resolved microbial signals and interpretable AI, the project seeks to provide clearer risk stratification and disease insights that could guide personalized screening and treatment planning. The work builds on a validated framework of microbial guilds to translate microbiome science into practical, patient-relevant information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier detection and more precise staging, leading to tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that microbiome-based classifiers can differentiate cancer states and stages, supporting the potential for this approach with further refinement.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Naisi — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Naisi
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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.