How gut microbes and their chemicals control Candida in the gut
Metabolic Regulation of Candida GI Tract Colonization
This research looks at whether molecules made by gut bacteria help stop Candida yeast from taking over the intestines in adults, especially people having bone marrow transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321555 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team combines lab studies, mouse experiments, and analysis of stool samples from adult transplant patients to find which bacterial metabolites block Candida growth. They use metabolomics to measure short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SCFAs/MCFAs) in fecal samples and link those levels to Candida overgrowth. In the lab they test how specific fatty acids affect Candida growth and fungal glucose metabolism. Findings from mice and human patient samples are compared to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent intestinal Candida domination.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults, particularly those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell (bone marrow) transplant or receiving heavy antibiotics that disrupt the gut microbiome, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Children and people without risk factors for intestinal Candida colonization are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce Candida overgrowth in vulnerable patients using microbiome or metabolite-based approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies have suggested SCFAs can limit Candida and the team has preliminary data in mice and human transplant samples, but the detailed mechanisms and clinical links are still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hohl, Tobias M — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Hohl, Tobias M
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.