Bowel Research UK is funding four research grants in its inaugural microbiome research round allocating over £330,000 to teams based in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh, and Liverpool.

The gut microbiome composed of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the digestive system plays a crucial role in overall health. Studies have linked a balanced microbiome to benefits such as maintaining a healthy weight supporting mental well-being lowering bowel cancer risk and managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. However, it remains an underexplored field of research.

Globally bowel cancer rates are rising among adults under 50 alongside an increase in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Experts attribute these trends to dietary and lifestyle changes including higher antibiotic use and lower fibre intake which impact the gut microbiome and are believed to elevate the risk of bowel cancer and IBD.

The four research projects funded by Bowel Research UK focus on advancing our understanding of the gut microbiome and its role in health and disease:

Exploring Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT): Dr. James Alexander (Imperial College London & St Mark’s Hospital) is investigating whether FMT capsules (poo transplants) can help individuals with inflammatory bowel disease manage their symptoms.

Gut Microbiome and Bowel Cancer Treatment: Led by Mr. Ahsan Javed (University of Liverpool) this study examines how the gut microbiome influences bowel cancer patients' response to treatment and recovery.

FMT Composition and Effectiveness: Dr. Richard Horniblow (University of Birmingham) is analyzing the composition of FMT how it changes when processed into a medicinal form and the impact on its effectiveness in treating disease.

Bacterial Interaction with Dead Cells: Dr. CJ Anderson (University of Edinburgh) is researching how bacteria feed on dead cells and contribute to gut wall damage and disease development.

Bowel Research UK has dedicated a grants round to a single research area for the first time launching its fundraising campaign at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2024.  

Chief Executive Lindsay Easton emphasized the charity’s focus on supporting early-career researchers whose work will shape future bowel cancer and disease treatments.  

Dr. James Kinross, who led the grant selection noted that despite growing interest in the gut microbiome research remains underfunded.  

He highlighted that these grants will significantly advance microbiome research and improve patient outcomes.  

This initiative marks a major step in strengthening research on the gut microbiome and its impact on health.

Source: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/262395/imperial-scientist-gets-48k-microbiome-research/