Understanding Gut Microbes and Their Role in Colon and Pancreatic Cancer
Official title: Characterization of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes from human gut microbes associated with colon and pancreatic cancer
Funded at Fort Lewis College · NIH-11105927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how certain gut bacteria produce substances called polyamines, which may contribute to colon and pancreatic cancer, to find new ways to treat these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fort Lewis College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durango, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM146714-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future clinical trials stemming from this work would likely target individuals with colon or pancreatic cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without colon or pancreatic cancer would not directly benefit from this specific research, as it is focused on these particular conditions.
What this research studies
Our bodies and the bacteria in our gut both make polyamines, but gut bacteria use a different process. This difference means we might be able to target the bacterial process without harming human cells. We are focusing on two key enzymes in this bacterial pathway to understand how they work and what they look like. This foundational knowledge is essential for designing new medications that could specifically block these bacterial polyamines. Ultimately, this could lead to new treatment options for people with colon and pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new drugs that specifically target gut bacteria to help treat colon and pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While polyamine biosynthesis is a known therapeutic target in cancer, this approach of targeting a distinct bacterial pathway is a novel strategy that requires initial characterization.
Where this research is happening
-
Fort Lewis College
Durango, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfarlane, Jeffrey S — Fort Lewis College
- Study coordinator: Mcfarlane, Jeffrey S
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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.