Research Type: Colorectal Cancer
Project Description
Black Americans experience higher rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) and also experience more limited access to healthy foods. Diet is known to impact the gut microbiome (diverse bacteria and microbes that live in the gastro-intestinal tract). The more limited access to healthy foods among black populations may lead to changes in the gut microbiome and the production of harmful byproducts (also called “metabolites”) from these microbes.
Dr. Wolf’s group will investigate if following a Mediterranean diet, that prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, can encourage the microbiome to produce protective metabolites that may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. They are particularly interested in a metabolite called “tryptophan”, which can decrease inflammation and improve function of the immune system. They will also assess if the neighborhood in which a person lives makes it harder to follow a Mediterranean diet. Understanding barriers to accessing healthy foods will help researchers and policymakers address and reduce CRC disparities.
