Investigating how oral microbes affect the small intestine

Oral-intestinal microbial translocation and colonization

['FUNDING_R21'] · CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-10997441

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

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PASADENA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10997441 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with gastrointestinal issues or those interested in the effects of diet and probiotics on gut health.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

PASADENA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.