Microbiome and Nutrition
The complex community of bacteria, yeasts and viruses living in our intestines, collectively known as the gut microbiome, is shaped, in part, by what we eat. Genetics, environment, and other factors also influence an individual’s microbial community. Research at the NRI investigates these complex relationships and their impact on disease risk. We use animal models and bioinformatics to study the associations between nutritional metabolites, gut microbiome, and health. What happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut. Your microbiome can play a role in cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, and even cancer. Our team envisions a future where analysis of your microbiome can determine disease risk, and medical foods can be prescribed to treat and prevent disease by regulating the microbiome.
Publications
Microbiome and Nutrition Publications
2020
Population studies of TMAO and its precursors may help elucidate mechanisms. Meyer K
2019
Association of dietary patterns with the gut microbiota in older, community-dwelling men. Meyer K
2018
Meta-analysis of human genome-microbiome association studies: the MiBioGen consortium initiative. Meyer K
Human microbiota, blood group antigens, and disease. Sumner S
2017
Trimethylamine N-Oxide, the Microbiome, and Heart and Kidney Disease. Zeisel S
2016
Diet and Gut Microbial Function in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Meyer K
Antibiotic-mediated gut microbiome perturbation accelerates development of type 1 diabetes in mice. Sumner S
Related News
Carol L. Cheatham, Ph.D. presented with National TRIO Achiever’s Award
On September 9, at Council for Opportunity in Education’s 33rd Annual Conference Gala, Dr. Cheatham was bestowed the 2014 National TRIO Achiever’s Award. The National TRIO Achiever’s award was created as a tribute to the success and outstanding endeavors of TRIO students and the programs that supported them in their journey to accomplished careers.
Artificial Sweeteners: New Findings Suggest Negative Health Implications
As a registered dietitian, I am often asked: “What do you think about artificial sweeteners?” My answer is always the same: “Since they are artificial and not enough research has been conducted to know for certain if they can be harmful, I suggest using them in moderation, learning to drink beverages that are naturally sugar-free, or using regular sugar instead but in moderation.” New research published in the journal Nature indicates a negative impact of artificial sweeteners on the helpful bacteria that live in our intestines. The findings were intriguing and provide one important piece of the puzzle to help better understand the role of these food additives on health.
Zbtb16 has a role in brown adipocyte bioenergetics
Zbtb16 has a role in brown adipocyte bioenergetics.
Plaisier CL, Bennett BJ, He A, Guan B, Lusis AJ, Reue K, Vergnes L.
Nutr Diabetes. 2012 Sep 17;2:e46. doi: 10.1038/nutd.2012.21.
PMID: 23446662
Quantitative trait loci affecting atherosclerosis at the aortic root identified in an intercross between DBA2J and 129S6 apolipoprotein E-null mice
Quantitative trait loci affecting atherosclerosis at the aortic root identified in an intercross between DBA2J and 129S6 apolipoprotein E-null mice.
Kayashima Y, Tomita H, Zhilicheva S, Kim S, Kim HS, Bennett BJ, Maeda N.
PLoS One. 2014 Feb 20;9(2):e88274. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088274. eCollection 2014.
PMID: 24586312
Comparative genome-wide association studies in mice and humans for trimethylamine N-oxide, a proatherogenic metabolite of choline and L-carnitine
Hartiala J, Bennett BJ, Tang WH, Wang Z, Stewart AF, Roberts R, McPherson R, Lusis AJ, Hazen SL, Allayee H; CARDIoGRAM Consortium.
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2014 Jun;34(6):1307-13. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.114.303252. Epub 2014 Mar 27.
PMID: 24675659
Genetic regulation of mouse liver metabolite levels
Genetic regulation of mouse liver metabolite levels.
Ghazalpour A, Bennett BJ, Shih D, Che N, Orozco L, Pan C, Hagopian R, He A, Kayne P, Yang WP, Kirchgessner T, Lusis AJ.
Mol Syst Biol. 2014 May 23;10:730. doi: 10.15252/msb.20135004.
PMID: 24860088