How gut bacteria process iron and heme
Official title: Understanding how heme and iron are metabolized by anaerobic commensal bacteria and host-microbiome communities
Funded at Montana State University - Bozeman · NIH-11036388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in your gut help break down iron from food, which could help us understand more about iron deficiency and related health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Montana State University - Bozeman NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bozeman, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $320,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM136390-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing iron deficiency or anemia, particularly those with dietary concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to iron absorption or anemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of anaerobic bacteria in the digestive tract and how they metabolize dietary iron and heme. By understanding these processes, the study aims to uncover how gut bacteria influence iron absorption in the host. The research will focus on specific gut microbes that are known to thrive in low-oxygen environments, examining their metabolic pathways and interactions. This could provide insights into nutritional disorders like iron deficiency and its related health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for iron deficiency and anemia, benefiting a significant portion of the population.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on anaerobic bacteria and heme metabolism is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring gut microbiota's role in nutrient absorption.
Where this research is happening
-
Montana State University - Bozeman
Bozeman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dubois, Jennifer L — Montana State University - Bozeman
- Study coordinator: Dubois, Jennifer L
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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.