Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Have you heard recently how we may be more bacteria than human? That the bacterial community within us has a role in diseases ranging from cancer to mental illness? It may surprise you that for many of these claims there simply is not enough quality information to take the idea from an interesting observation to actionable medical treatment. One of the goals of the study that I am proposing will help to solidify some of these claims with respect to the gut bacterial community and cancer. It will help to provide information on bacteria that could be used as important markers of disease in those with a genetic gut cancer. This is important since current screening therapy for those with genetic gut cancer involves using a scope (flexible camera with an ability to grab tissue) and inserting it through the mouth or anus to examine the intestines (an organ that is part of our digestive system). The procedure has to be yearly and can become a burden on the quality of life of an individual. Using the bacteria within our poo it might be possible to identify individuals that need more frequent scoping and those that do not. Thus another goal will be to use this information to find a less invasive screening tool that can be used to complement the more intensive scope approach. If possible, then a large number of individuals will only need to provide a regular poo sample and can ship it without ever needing to make a trip to the hospital. Overall, the study has the potential to save the hospital system time and money by reducing the number of individuals needing scopes on site at a hospital. As an additional aside this study design is unique in it's approach for bacterial community studies by proposing to investigate the whole family unit over many years. Although the study is being conducted at the University of Michigan this is a chance for Canada to collaboratively fund research that has the potential to drastically move this specific scientific field forward.