Understanding how gut bacteria produce compounds linked to 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-10893339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in our gut make special compounds that might affect the growth of colon and pancreatic cancer, and it aims to find new ways to use this information to help create better treatments for these cancers.
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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM146714-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with colon or pancreatic cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers unrelated to polyamine production or those not affected by gut microbiome factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain gut microbes produce polyamines, which are compounds that may influence the development of colon and pancreatic cancer. The study focuses on two key enzymes involved in the production of spermidine, a type of polyamine, and aims to characterize their structures and functions. By using advanced techniques, the researchers hope to identify unique pathways that these bacteria use to create polyamines, which could lead to new drug targets for cancer treatment. This work is a crucial step towards developing therapies that could potentially inhibit cancer progression by targeting these microbial processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target cancer progression linked to gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting gut microbial pathways is relatively novel, there is growing evidence supporting the role of gut bacteria in cancer progression, indicating potential for success.
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.