Using living biosensors to track DNA in the gut
Official title: DNA Recorder: Living biosensor for arbitrary DNA
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11145126 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to understand the bacteria in your gut by using special sensors that can track them as they move through your digestive system, which could help create more personalized treatments for health issues related to gut health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,983 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035772-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145126 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with gastrointestinal conditions or those undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those not affected by gut microbiota-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel method for accurately profiling gut microbiota using living biosensors that record extracellular DNA as they move through the gastrointestinal tract. By capturing a detailed record of the microbial composition and spatial structure within the gut, this approach seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional fecal sample analysis. The goal is to enhance personalized treatment plans and improve drug development by considering individual gut microbiota profiles. This innovative technique could lead to better understanding and management of various health conditions influenced by gut microbes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for conditions related to gut health, including cancer and metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biosensors for detecting microbial activity, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Robert M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Robert M
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.