MAST Research Program

We're working to build more solutions for conditions of the microbiome - from #IBS and ##SIBO to PCOS and #Diabetes. How can you help? support.cedars-sinai.edu/give/f2127909/…

Today is World Obesity Day — and it’s time to rethink the conversation. Obesity isn’t just about calories in and calories out. It’s a complex, chronic disease deeply connected to metabolism, inflammation, and the gut microbiome. Emerging science shows that the trillions of microbes in our gut can influence how we store fat, regulate blood sugar, and respond to food. The gut isn’t just part of the story; it may help drive it. At the MAST Program, we’re advancing research at the intersection of microbiome science and metabolic health to better understand obesity and develop smarter, science-backed solutions. Because tackling obesity starts with understanding what’s happening inside the gut. #WorldObesityDay #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

Scientific breakthroughs don’t move forward without clinical studies or trials. That’s why MAST has launched a Phase 2 clinical study building on the science of Rifaximin, advancing research into targeted therapies designed to address gut-related conditions. Phase 2 trials are a critical step. They evaluate whether promising science translates into real clinical benefit, refine safety and dosing, and help determine what works and for whom. At MAST, this is how we move from discovery to patient impact. Because progress in gut health isn’t accidental — it’s built on evidence. #ClinicalStudies #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

We had an incredible Instagram Live session with Dr. Mark Pimentel, diving into the latest in gut health research, patient questions, and what’s ahead in the field of GI science. Thank you to everyone who joined us live and shared thoughtful questions. Your engagement drives these important conversations! Missed it? You can now watch the full discussion on the MAST Program YouTube channel. At MAST, we’re committed to translating science into meaningful insights for patients and clinicians alike. Stay tuned for more conversations bringing research straight to you. #IGLive #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome instagram.com/reel/DVMY04Tkl…

🎥 The MAST Program is proud to announce the release of our latest video abstract featuring our newly published paper, “Real-world Study of Three-gas Breath Testing Nationwide and the Association With Symptoms,” from the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. This nationwide analysis examines three-gas breath testing in real-world clinical settings and its association with patient-reported GI symptoms, bringing meaningful data from everyday practice into the scientific conversation. This milestone reflects years of dedicated research and collaboration. Science has the greatest impact when it’s shared. 🎬 Watch the full video abstract here or on MAST’s YouTube channel #ThreeGasBreathTest #JCG #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

As we kick off a new clinical trial, we want to pause and recognize the incredible MAST clinical research team behind the scenes. From patient coordination to data integrity and day-to-day problem solving, their dedication and precision are what keep our studies running smoothly. 👩‍🏫 Their hard work helps ensure every trial is conducted with care, rigor, and patients at the center. We’re grateful for the commitment they bring every single day and excited to get this next study underway together. 📝 #ClinicalTeam #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

We’re going LIVE 🎥 In one week, the MAST Program is hosting an Instagram Live with Dr. Mark Pimentel from Cedars-Sinai to answer your gut health questions. 🗓 Monday, February 23rd ⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM PT We’ve heard so many of your thoughtful questions, and we’re bringing them straight to the conversation. But there’s still time to add more! Drop your questions in the comments below and join us live as we dive into the science, research, and practice of GI health. Don’t miss it. See you there. 💙 #IGLive #GutHealth #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

Our latest MAST paper has officially been published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (@JCGjournal)! 🎉 In this nationwide study, we examined the clinical utility of a three-gas breath test and how different gases relate to gastrointestinal symptoms. Traditionally, breath testing has focused on hydrogen and methane—but our findings highlight the importance of a third gas, hydrogen sulfide, and its meaningful associations with symptom severity. This work adds an important layer to how we understand breath testing and GI symptom patterns, with potential implications for diagnosis and patient care. Read the full paper—link below 🥳 #ThreeGasBreathTest #JCG #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

Today, the MAST Program is proud to celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day and recognize the women whose curiosity, expertise, and leadership drive discovery forward. 👩‍🔬 At MAST, women scientists, clinicians, and research professionals play a critical role in advancing gastrointestinal research, from the lab to clinical trials and patient care. Their work not only pushes science ahead but also inspires the next generation to imagine themselves in STEM. 🧪 We’re proud to support, celebrate, and amplify the women shaping the future of science today and every day. #InternationalWomenandGirlsinScience Day #STEM #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

The results are in, and the MAST Program is heading to DDW! ✈️ We’re excited to share our latest findings and join colleagues from across the globe at one of the most important gatherings in gastroenterology. Conferences like DDW are essential moments to come together, exchanging ideas, challenging perspectives, and advancing science through collaboration. Connecting with peers and the broader scientific community helps move research forward and, ultimately, brings better insights and care to patients. 🔬 We look forward to the conversations, learning, and knowledge-sharing ahead. See you at DDW! #DDW2026 #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

MAST is officially on LinkedIn! 💙 Follow the MAST Program to stay up to date on the latest research, clinical studies, and scientific discoveries shaping the future of gastrointestinal care. From microbiome science to translational breakthroughs, we’re excited to share how research moves from the lab to patients. 🔬 Linked below 👀 #LinkedIn #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

The MAST Program is proud to announce a Phase 2 clinical study to evaluate the next-generation compound designed to target the small intestinal microbiome. Building on the science of rifaximin, this new compound is being studied at Cedars-Sinai as a potential treatment for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). This multi-center Phase 2 trial is enrolling its first patient this week and reflects the direct translation of MAST-led research into clinical investigation. Our work has helped identify hydrogen sulfide as a key driver of gastrointestinal symptoms, laying the scientific foundation for targeted therapeutic advances. At MAST, this is what progress looks like: translating cutting-edge microbiome science into meaningful advances for patients with complex gastrointestinal disorders. Because better science leads to better care for you. #ClinicalTrials #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

February is Gut Health Awareness Month 💚 At MAST, we know gut health is key to feeling your best—impacting digestion, energy, immunity, and overall well-being. That’s why our team is dedicated to researching and turning science into clearer answers and better care for people living with GI symptoms. All month long, we’ll be sharing helpful insights, breaking down common gut health myths, and highlighting research designed with patients in mind. Your gut has a story—let’s understand it together. #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

As January comes to a close, many of us have spent the month resetting—whether that meant Dry January, cleaner eating, or simply being more mindful of our health. ✨ But here’s the thing: your gut doesn’t run on a one-month timeline. The habits you build now can shape how you feel for the rest of 2026. From digestion and energy to mood and metabolism, gut health plays a bigger role than most people realize—and it’s something the MAST Program studies year-round. As we move beyond January, think of this as an invitation—not to be perfect, but to stay curious and intentional. Tune in to how your body responds, make small sustainable choices, and keep gut health part of the conversation all year long. At MAST, that long-term, science-driven approach is at the heart of everything we do. Here’s to mindful habits, better balance, and a healthier gut in 2026. 🌱 #2026 #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

We’re planning our next Instagram Live with MAST physicians—and we want your questions. 💬 What gut health topics would you like to see addressed? IBS, bloating, constipation, SIBO, food triggers, breath testing, or something else entirely? Drop your questions or issues in the comments and help shape the conversation. Our doctors will tackle the topics that matter most to you—grounded in science and real patient experiences. Let us know what you want to learn about next 👇 #IGLive #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

After months of teamwork and focused research, we’ve officially submitted our abstracts to the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2026 conference. 🎉 These abstracts reflect the ongoing work at MAST to better understand questions related to endocrinology, metabolism, and gut health. Each submission represents the time, care, and collaboration behind our research efforts. We’re proud of our team and look forward to sharing this work at ENDO 2026. 💙 #ENDO2026 #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome

Gut health is often oversimplified, and misinformation can make it hard to know what’s supported by science. Today, MAST is breaking down common GI myths and pairing them with clear, research-based facts. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, evidence-driven information that helps move gut health conversations beyond trends and toward understanding. #MASTProgram #CedarsSinai #Microbiome #IBS #SIBO #IMO #PCOS #Obesity #GutMicrobiome