How bacteria break down tryptophan affects inflammatory arthritis
Influence of bacterial tryptophan metabolism on inflammatory arthritis
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut break down a substance called tryptophan and how this process might affect the development of inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, so if you're a patient, your samples could help us understand this connection better!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10979436 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bacterial metabolism of tryptophan in the development of inflammatory arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. By analyzing the gut microbiome and its metabolites, the study aims to uncover how dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, contributes to disease progression. The researchers will explore the immunological pathways involved, focusing on how indole, a product of tryptophan breakdown, influences immune cell behavior and joint inflammation. Patients may be involved in providing samples to help identify these mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis, particularly those showing signs of microbial dysbiosis.
Not a fit: Patients without inflammatory arthritis or those who do not exhibit microbial dysbiosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting gut bacteria to prevent or treat inflammatory arthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuhn, Kristine a. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kuhn, Kristine a.
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.