How gut bacteria process corticosteroids
Gut bacterial metabolism of the side-chain of corticosteroids
This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria help change a hormone called androstenedione into its active forms, testosterone and epitestosterone, by examining stool samples from people, and it aims to help us understand how these bacteria affect our hormone levels and overall 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-11100689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific gut bacteria convert androstenedione, a steroid hormone, into its active forms, epitestosterone and testosterone. The team is identifying bacterial enzymes involved in this process by analyzing over 200 human stool samples. They employ advanced techniques like functional metagenomic library screening and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to study these bacterial pathways. This work aims to enhance our understanding of how gut bacteria influence steroid metabolism and related health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with varying levels of corticosteroid exposure or those interested in the effects of gut microbiota on hormone metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have any gut microbiome-related issues or those not exposed to corticosteroids may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how gut bacteria affect hormone levels and overall health.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut bacteria in hormone metabolism, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
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.