Investigating how certain gut bacteria affect symptoms in Crohn's disease
Official title: The role of sulfidogenic microbes in quiescent Crohn’s disease with persistent symptoms
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11060982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria might be causing ongoing symptoms in people with Crohn's disease, even when there’s no inflammation, and it invites patients to help by sharing samples and information to find new ways to improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $117,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DK139095-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Crohn's disease who experience ongoing symptoms even when their disease is in remission.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Crohn's disease who do not experience persistent symptoms or those with active inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific gut microbes, particularly sulfidogenic bacteria, in patients with Crohn's disease who experience persistent symptoms despite having no active inflammation. The study aims to explore how these bacteria and their metabolic byproducts, such as hydrogen sulfide, may contribute to symptoms like increased intestinal permeability and visceral hypersensitivity. By analyzing gut microbiota and their interactions with the host, the research seeks to uncover potential mechanisms behind these persistent symptoms and identify new therapeutic targets. Patients may be involved in providing samples and data to help elucidate these relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from persistent symptoms of Crohn's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of gut microbiota in Crohn's disease is being explored, this specific focus on sulfidogenic bacteria and their metabolic pathways is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Allen a — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lee, Allen a
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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.