Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Florida A & M University's Division of Research received a $600,000 project grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the 1890 Institution Capacity Building Grants Program (CFDA 10.216), effective February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2029. The award supports research addressing colorectal cancer (CRC) health disparities in high-risk communities through investigation of muscadine grape processing (MGP) byproducts. The project deliverables include comprehensive characterization of MGP fiber content and composition across various cultivars, in vitro fermentation studies examining gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, and evaluation of fiber and SCFA efficacy in inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis using cell-based models.

The research initiative will generate scientific findings on the mechanisms by which MGP-derived fiber and microbiome-associated metabolites affect CRC cell growth inhibition, with particular focus on applications for high-risk populations. Complementary analyses will assess impacts on gut microbiome composition and function to elucidate underlying biological mechanisms. The project aligns with the capacity-building mission of the 1890 Land-Grant Institution program by advancing food and agricultural science applications, supporting workforce development, and generating evidence-based knowledge that can inform personalized CRC prevention strategies and improved health outcomes for underserved communities.