Location: Microbiome and Metabolism Research
Project Number: 6026-10700-001-029-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 20, 2025
End Date: Sep 19, 2029
Objective:
1. Examine the role of polyphenol and anthocyanin rich diets on modulation of gut microbiome and its impact on metabolism, immune system, and brain using animal models.
2. Elucidate the role of malnutrition on gut microbiome and its direct impact on offspring health using animal models.
3.Investigate the impact of maternal dietary components and early life stress on the gut microbiota and its impact on maternal-child health
Approach:
A current focus of studies includes polyphenol rich staple crops and foods and studying their health effects. An important component of these physiological effects may include effects of dietary components on gut microbiome. Thus, to address these biological connections, we will conduct controlled dietary and gut microbiome studies using animal models. We will leverage conventional and germ-free mouse models to address the objectives.
A current focus of studies includes understanding the role maternal diet and the gut microbiome during pregnancy and it's impact on maternal and child health outcomes. The first set of animal experiments will include taking pooled fecal samples from pregnant women belonging to different dietary pattern groups for fecal transplant studies by orally gavaging germ-free mice prior to mating (and once pregnancy. Pregnant dams were allowed to give birth and offspring will be assessed for changes in immune function, microbiota composition, liver function,and metabolism. In the second set of animal experiments we will test two dietary interventions (HMOs and dietary fiber) in addition to HFD feeding during pregnancy. Female mice will be feed a HFD to induce obesity then receive either HMOs or dietary fiber in their drinking water for 4 weeks prior to breeding and through pregnancy. Dams will be allowed to give birth and offspring will be assessed for changes in immune function, microbiota composition, liver function, and metabolism.