Gut microbiome in cystic fibrosis and colorectal cancer risk
Official title: Defining the impact of the gut microbiome in Cystic Fibrosis patients in the development of colorectal cancer
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11436161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the gut bacteria in adults with cystic fibrosis influence the development of colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $461,871 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI201001-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cystic fibrosis, particularly those with or at risk for colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Results may be more applicable to CF patients who do not develop colorectal cancer or where microbiome factors are not causative.
What this research studies
This project will use patient-derived stool samples and mouse models to see how the gut microbiome in people with CF affects colon tumor development. The team will transplant CF-associated microbes into germ-free mice to observe tumor growth in established colorectal cancer models. Results could reveal new mechanisms by which gut bacteria contribute to cancer risk in CF and point to microbiome-targeted strategies. The work builds on existing methods to link patient microbiota with tumor outcomes in preclinical systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new ways to reduce colorectal cancer risk for people with CF through microbiome-directed interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown microbiome influences on CRC in general; this study applies those concepts specifically to CF.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weis, Allison — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Weis, Allison
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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.