Understanding how gut microbes transform dietary compounds
Official title: Enzymatic Determinants of Gut Microbial Metabolic Biotransformations
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10941362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny microbes in our gut interact with the food we eat, focusing on special enzymes that help break down these foods, to see how they affect our health and the health of our gut bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155208-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gastrointestinal conditions or those interested in understanding how their diet affects gut health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those not interested in dietary impacts on health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between gut microbes and dietary molecules, focusing on specific enzymes called ene-reductases that play a crucial role in these transformations. By identifying and characterizing these enzymes, the study aims to uncover how they influence the availability of metabolites that affect both microbial health and human well-being. The approach combines microbiology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics to systematically identify microbial strains and their corresponding genes responsible for metabolite reduction. This comprehensive methodology will enhance our understanding of gut microbial metabolism and its implications for health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations and therapies that enhance gut health and overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in characterizing gut microbial enzymes, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Andrew Brantley — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Hall, Andrew Brantley
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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.