Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant health disparity among high-risk communitieswith over 20% higher incidence rates and poorer outcomes compared to high-riskcommunities

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Florida A & M University $600,000 on February 1, 2026, under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants program (CFDA 10.216).

The recipient will investigate the potential of muscadine grape processing (MGP) fiber—both soluble and insoluble—in combination with gut-microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to inhibit colorectal cancer cell growth, with a focus on high-risk populations experiencing documented health disparities. Work includes characterizing MGP fiber content and composition across cultivars to identify optimal profiles for CRC prevention; conducting in-vitro fermentation of MGP by healthy human gut microbiota to generate SCFAs; evaluating the efficacy of investigative SCFAs in inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis using in-vitro CRC cell models; and assessing the impact of investigative fiber and SCFA combinations on gut microbiome composition and function to elucidate underlying mechanisms. The research is intended to inform personalized CRC prevention strategies and improve health outcomes for disproportionately affected populations nationwide.

Performance takes place in Tallahassee, Florida. The period of performance runs from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2029. Florida A & M University, a Historically Black College and University and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, serves as the prime recipient. The 1890 CBG program strengthens research, Extension, and teaching in food and agricultural sciences by building institutional capacity at eligible 1890 land-grant universities.

Addressing this disparity necessitates innovative approaches leveragingdietary fiber and GUT microbiome-derived metabolites. Muscadine grapes (MG) areextensively cultivated in the southwestern united states contributing significantly to theregional agricultural economy. Despite their economic value muscadine grape processing(MGP) generates 30% unutilized fiber-rich material. The fiber-related health outcomes ofmgp particularly its interactions with the human GUT microbiome and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAS) remain largely unexplored. Previous research showed the efficacyof MG bioactive compounds in inhibiting cancer cells. The project team will investigate thepotential of MGP soluble and insoluble fiber in combination with GUT-microbiome-derivedscfas to inhibit CRC cell growth specifically within high-risk populations. We will conductcomprehensive analyses to characterize MGP fiber content and composition acrossvarious cultivars identifying optimal profiles for CRC prevention and explore in-vitrofermentation of MGP by the GUT microbiome of healthy americans to generate scfasfocusing on elucidating their effects on CRC cell growth inhibition. Using in-vitro CRC cellmodels we will evaluate the efficacy of investigative GUT-microbiome-derived SCFAS ininhibiting CRC cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we will assess theimpact of investigative-derived fiber and SCFAS on the GUT microbiome composition andfunction to elucidate underlying mechanisms. This interdisciplinary project promises toinform personalized CRC prevention strategies and improve health outcomes for adisproportionate high-risk population nationwide. This project enhances healthyalternative approaches in disease management by aligning with the maha initiative fordisease prevention through better nutrition.