Understanding how dietary sugars affect gut bacteria and health
Official title: Leveraging glycan-metabolite interactions to shape structure and function of the gut microbiome
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11133010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain foods can help good bacteria in your gut, especially a type called Bacteroides, to fight off diseases like colon cancer, and it aims to find ways to improve your gut health through better eating habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $644,539 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138023-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, those at risk for colon cancer, or anyone interested in improving their gut health through dietary changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those who do not consume a diet rich in glycans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between dietary glycans and gut bacteria, particularly focusing on the Bacteroides species, which are crucial for human health. By cataloging the microbiome and linking specific strains to their roles in diseases like colon cancer, the study aims to enhance beneficial bacteria and their functions. The approach involves using prebiotic dietary glycans to selectively target and promote healthy gut microbes while inhibiting harmful strains. This could lead to new dietary recommendations or therapies to improve gut health and prevent diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary strategies or therapies that enhance gut health and reduce the risk of diseases such as colon cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating gut microbiomes through dietary interventions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rakoff-Nahoum, Seth — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rakoff-Nahoum, Seth
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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.