How gut bacteria-derived purines affect gut health and disease
Official title: Microbiota-sourced purines in gut health and disease
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10892928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance made by gut bacteria called hypoxanthine helps keep your gut healthy, focusing on how it affects energy use, protects the gut lining, and helps heal wounds, so we can learn more about the important role of gut bacteria in your overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $147,421 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DK129410-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gastrointestinal disorders or those interested in gut health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any gastrointestinal issues or those not interested in gut health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific purine metabolite, hypoxanthine, produced by gut bacteria in maintaining gut health. It explores how this metabolite influences the metabolism of intestinal cells, particularly in energy balance, barrier function, and wound healing. The study employs various experimental approaches, including the use of genetically modified E. coli to assess the impact of microbiota-derived hypoxanthine on gut health. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new insights into how gut bacteria contribute to overall intestinal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving gut health and treating related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Joseph Scott — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Lee, Joseph Scott
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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.