Exploiting Public Metagenomic Data to Uncover Cancer-Microbiome Relationships

This project investigates the role of the human microbiome in cancer by applying novel and state-of-the-art methods to published metagenomic data, and provides enhanced, expanded, and more efficiently usable microbiome data resources back to the cancer research community for a broad range of investigations.

This project aims to identify previously overlooked bacterial and viral taxa within the human microbiome that are linked to cancer risk and outcomes. It will explore how microbiome disruption influences cancer initiation, progression, and treatment. The project also seeks to enhance the biological interpretation of microbiome studies by connecting microbial taxonomy, physiology, metabolic function, and health outcomes. Additionally, it will promote the adoption of the Strengthening the Organization and Reporting of Microbiome Studies (STORMS) checklist, developed in the original funded project, to improve the reporting standards in microbiome research.