Understanding gut bacteria to improve treatments for gastrointestinal diseases
Official title: Defining Small Intestinal Microbial Landscapes To Improve Therapeutics For Gastrointestinal Disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11051805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to help create better treatments that are personalized just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,996 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK134856-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who experience chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with gastrointestinal diseases unrelated to microbial imbalances or those without a diagnosis of IBS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of gut bacteria in conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which affects a significant portion of the population and leads to chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel function. By analyzing the microbial landscapes of the small intestine, the research aims to identify how these bacteria influence gastrointestinal health and develop more effective therapies. The approach includes advanced techniques such as molecular genetics and metabolomics, alongside studies in mouse models to explore the mechanisms behind gut microbiota interactions. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options tailored to their specific microbial profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases like IBS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in gastrointestinal health, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer, Sean Paul — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Spencer, Sean Paul
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.