How gut bacteria process corticosteroids

Gut bacterial metabolism of the side-chain of corticosteroids

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10913499

This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut process certain hormones called corticosteroids, which can affect our immune system and may play a role in diseases like prostate cancer, to help us understand how gut health impacts these hormone-related conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-10913499 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how gut bacteria metabolize corticosteroids, which are hormones that can influence various bodily functions. The project aims to identify specific microbial enzymes that modify these hormones, potentially affecting immune function and disease risk, particularly for conditions like prostate cancer. By using advanced bioinformatics and metagenomic techniques, the researchers will explore the diversity of bacteria involved in this metabolism and their implications for health. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how gut health influences hormone-related diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to corticosteroid metabolism or those at risk for hormone-related diseases, such as prostate cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have any hormonal imbalances or related health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how gut bacteria influence hormone-related diseases and improve treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in hormone metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, 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.