Indole compounds from gut bacteria to help gut health and fight harmful bacteria
Official title: Leveraging microbial-derived indoles to control host immune responses
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11424852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A family of tiny gut bugs may produce indole chemicals that help the gut barrier and reduce a harmful bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum, potentially lowering oral and colorectal disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $561,968 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI201129-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk for oral or colorectal diseases where Fn involvement is suspected or established.
✕Less likely to help
People without Fn-related risk or with different disease pathways may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project uses 3D cell culture models to study how indole compounds from the microbiome affect Fusobacterium nucleatum’s ability to attach to and invade human cells. It combines lab experiments with computer analyses to predict which microbial pathways produce beneficial indoles and tests how these indoles influence immune signaling and barrier function. If successful, the work could reveal new ways to strengthen the gut and oral barriers to prevent disease. The research relies on human cell models and aims to translate basic findings toward strategies that may benefit patients in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the indole compounds prove protective, patients could gain new preventive approaches against oral and colorectal diseases linked to Fusobacterium nucleatum.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work suggests microbial compounds can modulate pathogen behavior and barrier function, supporting potential translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greathouse, Leigh — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Greathouse, Leigh
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.