Investigating how a yeast can deliver therapeutic proteins in the gut of mice
Official title: Characterization of colonization and protein secretion by Pichia pastoris in the gastrointestinal tract of mice
Funded at University of the Pacific-Stockton · NIH-10937834 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special yeast can safely deliver helpful proteins directly in the stomachs of mice, which could lead to new ways to treat certain health conditions in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of the Pacific-Stockton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stockton, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM157998-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937834 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for potential benefits from this research would be adults with conditions that could be treated with therapeutic proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with gastrointestinal disorders or those who cannot tolerate yeast-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of the yeast Pichia pastoris as a delivery system for therapeutic proteins directly in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. By allowing the yeast to produce and secrete proteins in situ, the study aims to overcome challenges related to protein stability and delivery. The researchers have previously shown that this yeast can survive in the gut and secrete beneficial proteins without causing inflammation. The goal is to understand how effectively this method can be used for future therapeutic applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and stable delivery methods for therapeutic proteins, improving treatment options for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of yeast for protein delivery is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promising results in similar applications.
Where this research is happening
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University of the Pacific-Stockton
Stockton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thor, Der — University of the Pacific-Stockton
- Study coordinator: Thor, Der
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.