Understanding New Gut Compounds and Their Role in Inflammation
Prioritization and Bioactivity Characterization of Novel Bile Acids Produced by the Microbiome
This work explores newly discovered compounds made by gut bacteria, called MCBAs, to see how they affect inflammation, especially in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141195 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For a long time, we thought bile acids in our bodies were only combined with two specific amino acids, but we recently found that gut bacteria can combine them with many others, creating 'microbially conjugated bile acids' (MCBAs). These MCBAs are common in people, especially those with inflammatory bowel disease, and are present in amounts that could affect our health. We are looking into how these MCBAs are made by bacteria and how they interact with our body's cells to influence inflammation. This includes studying how they activate certain receptors in the gut that are known to play a role in inflammatory signals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is particularly relevant for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, as MCBAs are found at higher levels in this population.
Not a fit: Patients without gut inflammation or those whose conditions are not related to bile acid metabolism may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and potentially manage inflammatory bowel disease and other gut-related inflammatory conditions by targeting these bacterial compounds.
How similar studies have performed: Our group recently discovered these microbially conjugated bile acids, making this a novel area of exploration with early promising data in cell culture and mouse models.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quinn, Robert Andrew — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Quinn, Robert Andrew
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.