This study shows that IL-1β increases glycolysis and inhibits butyrate oxidation in colorectal cancer cells via AKT and HIF1 activation, promoting cancer progression.

bioRxiv · Aug 19, 2026 · PreprintCell Biology

Metabolite mimicry identifies butyrate analogs with select protective functions in the intestinal mucosa

Alfredo Ornelas, Jacob A. Countess, Ji Yeon Kim, Rachel H. Cohen, Brittany Gomez, Rebecca L. Roer, Faiz Minhajuddin, Kiranmayee Yenugudhati Vijaya Sai, Liheng Zhou, Julia L.M. Dunn, Caleb Chandler, Philip Reigan, Ian M. Cartwright, Caroline H. T. Hall, Geetha Bhagavatula, , Sean P. Colgan

This study identifies a butyrate analog, 3-chlorobutyrate, that enhances epithelial barrier formation and is protective in colitis without affecting intestinal stem cells.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · Apr 9, 2026Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

Inflammation is the Driver of Butyrate-Producing Bacteria Change in Interleukin10 Knockout Mice

Ji Yeon Kim, Bohye Park, Olivia F. Riffey, Madison L Bunch, Jeremiah Gene Johnson, Zachary M. Burcham, Dallas R. Donohoe

This study examines changes in butyrate-producing bacteria in interleukin10 knockout mice, finding increased inflammation and shifts in microbial metabolism associated with IBD.

bioRxiv · Jan 16, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology