How gut bacteria affect heart disease through amino acids

Gut-microbial metabolism of aromatic amino acids and cardiovascular disease

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10991369

This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut process certain proteins and how this affects heart health, aiming to find new ways to improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10991369 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how gut microbes metabolize aromatic amino acids and their impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD). It focuses on a compound called phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln), which is produced when gut bacteria break down dietary phenylalanine. The study will use advanced metabolomics to identify various microbial metabolites linked to CVD risk and will explore the causal role of specific gut microbial enzymes through transplantation studies. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of how gut health influences heart disease and to develop potential therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly those with dietary factors influencing gut microbiota.

Not a fit: Patients with established cardiovascular disease or those not affected by gut microbiota may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target gut microbiota to prevent or manage cardiovascular disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between gut microbiota and cardiovascular health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.