Targeting harmful substances produced by gut bacteria
Official title: Enzymatic and genetic strategies for targeting disease-associated microbial metabolites
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10686498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria make substances that might impact our health, especially concerning colorectal cancer, and by tweaking these bacteria's genes, researchers hope to learn more about how these substances affect our bodies, which could eventually help develop new treatments or ways to prevent related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| 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 | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,355,273 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2GM154019-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to gut health, particularly those at risk for colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those not at risk for diseases linked to microbial metabolites may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacteria in the gut produce metabolites that can affect human health, particularly in relation to diseases like colorectal cancer. The approach involves manipulating the genetic makeup of these bacteria to understand how their metabolites influence the body. By focusing on a specific metabolite called colibactin, which is produced by various bacteria, the research aims to uncover the complex interactions between gut microbes and host health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments or preventive strategies for diseases linked to these microbial metabolites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with harmful microbial metabolites.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating gut bacteria to understand their impact on health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Jiahe — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Li, Jiahe
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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.