PhD Graduate Receives Major Grant from National Cancer Institute for Gut Microbiome-Breast Cancer Research

Margaret S. Bohm, PhD, a May 2025 doctoral graduate from the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, has received a $130,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute to fund her research on how manipulating the gut microbiome might delay the onset and improve treatment of breast cancer, particularly in the context of weight loss and obesity.

Bariatric surgery, a procedure primarily known for aiding long-term weight loss, has been linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced effectiveness of immunotherapy. However, the reasons behind these benefits remain largely unexplored. Dr. Bohm's research aims to uncover the mechanisms at play, potentially paving the way for new treatments that could benefit individuals regardless of body weight.

"Breast cancer is a truly devastating disease that impacts so many women all over the world," Dr. Bohm said. "My work has the potential to help patients beat cancer, and I am so grateful to the NIH and NCI for the support to continue this research and my own training."

One key area of Dr. Bohm's study is long-term changes in the gut microbiome-the trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive systems-following bariatric surgery. These changes are believed to last for at least five years after the surgery and may alter the levels of certain metabolites produced by gut bacteria. These metabolites, which include short-chain fatty acids and amino acids, not only affect gut health but also circulate throughout the body, influencing energy metabolism, immune regulation, and possibly anti-cancer defenses.

Preliminary findings in Dr. Bohm's study suggest that reducing certain bile acids while increasing specific amino acids can enhance the body's immune response to tumors and improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Additionally, transferring gut bacteria from individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery to others has been shown to decrease tumor size in experimental models.

Dr. Bohm's research will investigate whether altering the gut microbiome can replicate some of the cancer-protective effects seen in bariatric surgery. Her approach includes using fecal microbial transplants to study how changes in gut bacteria might reduce cancer risk and improve treatment response in recipient models. The study will also use cutting-edge laboratory techniques to explore the impact of specific bacterial metabolites on breast cancer progression.

This research builds on Dr. Bohm's extensive background in microbiology and her expertise in studying the interactions between the gut microbiome and the immune system. The funding from the National Cancer Institute will support Dr. Bohm as she continues to explore this rapidly evolving field, with the ultimate goal of developing new therapeutic strategies to treat breast cancer and other diseases.