How gut bacteria and immune signals may drive pre-cancer changes in ulcerative colitis
Official title: Role of innate immunity and the microbiome in colitis associated dysplasia
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11382262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether changes in gut bacteria and an enzyme called DUOX2 cause pre-cancerous (dysplasia) changes in people with ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2014 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $517,163 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK099076-17 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with ulcerative colitis, particularly those undergoing surveillance colonoscopy or with a history of dysplasia, would be the most relevant participants or sample sources.
✕Less likely to help
People without inflammatory bowel disease or with only non-colonic conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers combine analyses of patient colon biopsies with lab experiments and animal models to understand how DUOX2 and the microbiome interact in ulcerative colitis. They measure DUOX2-driven hydrogen peroxide production in intestinal cells, test how that affects epithelial barrier function, and track recruitment of tumor-promoting immune cells. The team manipulates gut bacteria and DUOX2 activity in models to see which changes lead to dysplasia. Findings aim to connect specific microbes and immune signals to the early steps that can lead to cancer or colectomy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new tests or treatments to prevent dysplasia and reduce the need for colectomy in people with ulcerative colitis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory and animal studies show DUOX2 is increased in IBD biopsies and that chronic DUOX2 activity can drive tumors while removing DUOX2 reduces tumor formation, but translating this into patient treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abreu, Maria Teresa — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Abreu, Maria Teresa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How our genes and immune system affect C. difficile infections
This project looks at how a common human gene variant and immune factors influence the severity of C. difficile infections and whether targeting inflammation could help patients.
-
Outpatient pathway for severe ulcerative colitis in the right care setting
This study tests a safe, outpatient approach using an oral therapy and remote monitoring for people with acute severe ulcerative colitis to avoid hospitalization.
-
Fh15-based therapy to calm inflammation in sepsis and ulcerative colitis
A research project tests a molecule from a parasitic organism (Fh15) to reduce harmful inflammation in adults with sepsis or ulcerative colitis.
-
IMYX-3 treatment for ulcerative colitis
A new therapy approach called IMYX-3 aims to help adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who have not responded well to current treatments.
-
Autoantibodies and ulcerative colitis: how avb6 antibodies may drive disease
This NIH grant aims to understand how antibodies against a gut cell protein (αvβ6) may actively contribute to ulcerative colitis and what that means for future treatments.
-
Selenium supplementation to help moderate-severe ulcerative colitis flare-ups
This grant tests whether giving selenium can help people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis reduce flares and improve symptoms.
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.