Nutrition and Microbiota Research Group
A major factor linking the daily diet with human physiology and pathophysiology that has emerged in recent years is the entirety of microorganisms (microbiota) colonizing the human intestine. In particular, it has been hypothesized recently that the intestinal microbiome affects signaling along the “gut-brain axis” to alter neurological processes in the host. The aim of this group is to systematically analyze the impact of commensal microorganisms and their metabolites on the link between nutrition and cognition, with the goal of establishing causative connections between diet, microbiota, metabolism, and brain function. To achieve this aim, the Nutrition and Microbiota group pursues a translational approach with mechanistic studies in human and mouse models. Finally, the fundamental approach taken by this group will be to identify associations between the intestinal microbiome, dietary patterns or food intake, and cognitive function across the lifespan in order to define a healthy microbiota and based on this personalized nutritional recommendations and treatments.
