Understanding how gut bacteria metabolites affect immune responses in pancreatic cancer.
Official title: Characterizing the sources, mechanisms, and translational relevance of microbial TMAO in driving anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer.
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11051169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance made by gut bacteria, called TMAO, affects the immune system in people with pancreatic cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to help their bodies fight the disease better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $566,752 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA280869-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metabolites produced by gut bacteria, specifically trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), influence the immune environment in pancreatic cancer. The study aims to identify how these metabolites can reprogram tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to enhance anti-tumor immunity. By using advanced metabolomic techniques, researchers will explore the signaling pathways affected by TMAO and its potential to improve treatment responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new dietary or therapeutic strategies to boost their immune response against tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune system's ability to fight pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using gut microbiome metabolites to influence immune responses, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shinde, Rahul Suresh — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Shinde, Rahul Suresh
Related research
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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.