Investigating gut bacteria's role in kidney transplant medication effects
Official title: Gut microbial beta-glucuronidases as a biomarker for mycophenolic acid enterohepatic recirculation and associated toxicities
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11043447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect how well the medication mycophenolic acid works for preventing kidney transplant rejection and whether it causes side effects like diarrhea or low white blood cell counts, so we can find better ways to manage your treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $604,993 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139249-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are kidney transplant recipients who are currently taking mycophenolic acid.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not kidney transplant recipients or those not taking mycophenolic acid are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how gut bacteria influence the effectiveness and side effects of mycophenolic acid (MPA), a medication used to prevent kidney transplant rejection. It aims to identify specific enzymes produced by gut microbes that may reactivate MPA and contribute to toxicities like diarrhea and low white blood cell counts. By analyzing fecal samples from kidney transplant recipients, the study will explore the relationship between these microbial enzymes and the medication's effects, potentially leading to better management of MPA dosing in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and management of kidney transplant patients, reducing harmful side effects associated with mycophenolic acid.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that gut microbiota can significantly affect drug metabolism and toxicity, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, John Richard — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Lee, John Richard
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.