How gut bacteria change steroid hormones
Gut bacterial metabolism of the side-chain of corticosteroids
This project explores how bacteria in our gut transform steroid hormones, which might influence our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160516 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies naturally produce steroid hormones, but the bacteria living in our gut can also change these hormones. This project aims to understand exactly which bacterial enzymes are responsible for these changes. We want to find out if these altered steroids could affect our immune system or even increase the risk of conditions like prostate cancer. By identifying these specific bacterial processes, we hope to learn more about how our gut microbiome impacts our overall health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to anyone interested in how gut health impacts conditions like immune disorders or prostate cancer.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways our gut bacteria influence diseases, potentially leading to new strategies for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have previously identified some enzymes involved in steroid metabolism by gut bacteria, and this project builds upon those discoveries.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ridlon, Jason Michael — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Ridlon, Jason Michael
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.