Gut microbiome and epigenetic changes under acute stress
Abstract
The gut microbiome is well recognised to play a pivotal role in human health and performance. The gut microbiome exerts its effects by means of metabolites, likely accompanied with epigenetic changes. Among various species, crocodiles are well known for their hardiness and ability to achieve longevity while surviving under stressful conditions. We speculated that their microbial gut flora produces substances contributing to their performance and wellbeing and longevity . Previously, we have evaluated gut bacteria of crocodiles and identified two gut bacterial isolates which produce several metabolites, that likely contribute to their longevity and ability to endure stressful environments. In the proposed work, we will utilise a hind limb unloading (HLU) model, a rodent model, known to mimic high-stress situation. The blood, sweat and CSF will be collected to identify the metabolites expressed under acute stress and normal conditions using LC-MS-MS. We will investigate if these changes can be reversed following treatment with novel metabolites obtained from the crocodile gut microflora. In parallel, and to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms, we will investigate epigenetic changes in tissues (brain, heart, gut, and testes) in rats under acute stress versus normal condition, and following treatment with crocodile metabolites, by investigating whole genome DNA methylation to identify signature epigenetic modulations. It is anticipated that the proposed studies will result in the identification of potential biomarker(s). If the agents are novel, the outcomes from this study may result in development of new prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. This will have a huge impact on human performance, in diagnostic, therapeutics and-or risk prediction models. The concept of using bacteria is not unusual, for example, Mutaflor (specific strain of E. coli) is widely used as a probiotic and Captopril, a blood pressure drug was developed from snake venom. Our findings will reveal specific metabolite(s) of potential translational value to improve performance and wellbeing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310711
Entities
People
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force