How bacteria break down tryptophan affects inflammatory arthritis
Official title: Influence of bacterial tryptophan metabolism on inflammatory arthritis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10979436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 10, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $549,209 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AR075033-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis, particularly those showing signs of microbial dysbiosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory arthritis or those who do not exhibit microbial dysbiosis may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuhn, Kristine a. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kuhn, Kristine a.
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Bacteria-made indoles and inflammatory arthritis
A study from the University of Colorado Denver is looking at how gut bacteria convert tryptophan into indoles that may drive inflammatory arthritis in people.
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.