Investigating how oral microbes affect the small intestine
Official title: Oral-intestinal microbial translocation and colonization
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-10997441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how germs from your mouth can end up in your small intestine and affect your health, helping us understand which ones are there, where they come from, and how they impact your digestion and overall gut health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AT012703-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with gastrointestinal issues or those interested in the effects of diet and probiotics on gut health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gastrointestinal conditions or are not interested in the role of oral microbes in gut health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of microbes from the oral cavity in colonizing the small intestine and their impact on human health. It aims to identify which specific microbes are present in the small intestine, their origins, and the factors that allow them to thrive. By utilizing advanced sequencing techniques, the study seeks to overcome challenges in accessing the small intestine and differentiating between live and dead microbes. The findings could provide insights into how these microbes influence nutrient absorption and overall gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of gut health and better nutritional strategies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of oral microbes in gut health is a topic of interest, this specific approach using advanced sequencing techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ismagilov, Rustem F — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Ismagilov, Rustem F
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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.