Understanding how gut bacteria and diet chemicals may help prevent colon cancer
Bacteria-derived xenobiotics in colon cancer prevention: Link to GPR109A and colonic ketogenesis
This project explores how chemicals from our diet and gut bacteria might help prevent colon cancer by influencing key protective pathways in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109640 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our diet and environment expose us to chemicals that can contribute to colon cancer, and the colon is often the first place these chemicals interact with our body. This research aims to understand how a specific receptor called GPR109A, along with substances like niacin and those produced by gut bacteria, might naturally protect against colon cancer. We are exploring how these protective factors interact with common genetic changes seen in colon cancer, such as mutations in p53 and KRAS. By uncovering these connections, we hope to find new strategies to prevent colon cancer from developing. This work could lead to new ways to boost the body's own defenses against this disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but its findings would be most relevant to individuals interested in colon cancer prevention, especially those with a family history or known genetic risk factors like p53 or KRAS mutations.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced colon cancer or those not interested in prevention strategies may not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing colon cancer, potentially through dietary interventions or targeted therapies that enhance the body's natural protective mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While Niacin is a well-known drug for other conditions, its specific role in colon cancer prevention through the GPR109A pathway is a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thangaraju, Muthusamy — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Thangaraju, Muthusamy
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 below.