Understanding how small molecules interact in biological processes
Official title: Capturing, quantifying, and understanding combinatorial effects in small molecule signaling
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10684528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules interact in our bodies, especially in relation to our gut bacteria, to help scientists understand how these interactions affect our health and could lead to better treatments for different diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,525,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2GM154152-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10684528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by small molecule signaling, particularly those related to microbiome interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to small molecule signaling or microbiome interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between small molecules in biological systems, focusing on how these interactions influence cellular functions and processes. By developing new experimental and analytical methods, the project aims to quantify the combinatorial effects of small molecules, particularly in the context of the human microbiome and its communication with the human body. This approach will help scientists better understand signaling pathways and predict the biological activities of these molecules, which could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and lead to more effective treatments by targeting specific molecular interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding molecular interactions, but this approach to quantifying chemical epistasis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jost, Marco — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Jost, Marco
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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.