How gut bacteria process dietary phenylalanine and its link to heart failure

Gut microbial dietary phenylalanine metabolism and heart failure

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11006287

This study is looking at how what you eat and the bacteria in your gut can affect your heart health, especially in relation to heart failure, to help find new ways to understand and possibly lower your risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11006287 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between diet, gut microbiome, and heart failure. It focuses on how the metabolism of phenylalanine, an essential amino acid found in protein, by gut bacteria can influence the risk of developing heart failure. By examining changes in gut microbial communities and their metabolic functions, the study aims to identify new biomarkers for heart failure risk and understand how dietary choices may affect disease susceptibility. The research employs both clinical observations and animal models to explore these connections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for heart failure, particularly those with dietary concerns or metabolic disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for heart failure or do not have dietary concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations and treatments that help prevent heart failure.

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

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, 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.
Conditions Animal Disease Models
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.