Mouth bacteria linked to colon cancer
The oral-gut axis in colorectal cancer
Researchers are looking at whether bacteria from the mouth that move to the gut help cause colorectal cancer, especially in people with gum disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 ID | NIH-11262863 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores a possible "oral-gut" connection where microbes from an inflamed mouth travel to the intestine and promote colon tumors. The team analyzes human data linking periodontal disease with colorectal cancer, profiles oral and gut microbes from patients, and uses mouse models that combine periodontitis with colitis-associated colon cancer to test causality. They aim to identify specific oral microbes that drive tumor growth and test ways to block their effects. Results could point to new ways to prevent or treat colorectal cancer by targeting harmful microbial pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with colorectal cancer or higher CRC risk (for example, a history of polyps) and people with gum disease who can provide oral and stool samples.
Not a fit: People without gum disease or low risk for colorectal cancer are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies for colorectal cancer that target specific oral microbes or their pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have reported oral bacteria in the guts of CRC patients and linked periodontal disease to higher CRC risk, but translating those findings into proven treatments remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamada, Nobuhiko — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Kamada, Nobuhiko
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 below.