Gut microbiota and colonic gene expression: a lignan trial in humans

Intake of foods high in dietary fiber is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer. Gut bacteria convert constituents of plant foods, sugh as lignans and dietary fiber, to biologically active compounds that in animal models prevent the development of colon cancer. In a human dietary intervention, we will study how these biologically active compounds affect colon cell-signaling pathways important to colorectal cancer risk.