Understanding how gut bacteria affect health and disease

Human microbiome metabolites in health and disease

NIH-funded research Harvard Medical School · NIH-10842312

This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut affect our health by changing substances our bodies make, like vitamins and steroids, and it aims to find new ways to help people feel better based on these discoveries.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10842312 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex interactions between the human microbiome and our health by focusing on the metabolites produced by gut bacteria. The team aims to uncover how these bacterial transformations of host-produced molecules, like steroids and vitamins, influence our physiology and contribute to various diseases. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets and improve health outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights into how their gut microbiome affects their health and the development of new treatments based on these findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions related to gut health, such as diabetes or inflammatory bowel diseases.

Not a fit: Patients without any gastrointestinal issues or those not affected by the conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating diseases linked to gut microbiome imbalances.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiome metabolites in health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes MellitusAffective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.