Integrating Gnotobiotic Organoid And Metabolomic Pipelines to Prove the Cancer Microbiome Connection

SU2C Convergence 3.1416 Research Team: Integrating gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic pipelines to probe the cancer-microbiome connection

January 2021-December 2023

This SU2C Convergence Research Team will study gastrointestinal malignancies using gnotobiotic assays, organoids and metabolomics in order to identify the mechanisms by which bacteria interact with host cells to cause tumor development or regression.

RESEARCH

Epidemiological data suggest that lifestyle (including diet) and the consequent shift in the gut microbiota play a role in cancer development and therapy responsiveness. These data remain, however, largely correlative. Functional validation and molecular dissection using appropriate model systems is required. In this study, an international collaborative team from different disciplines will investigate the complex interplay between microbiota and cancer in various aspects, with an aim toward discovering the specific microorganisms and the metabolites that causally promote cancer and/or therapy responsiveness. Studies will focus largely on GI malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic cancer (PDAC). The Team will leverage in vivo gnotobiotic pipelines, in vitro organoid systems and metabolomic expertise. Integrating the state-of-the-art gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic strengths will lead to the identification of underlying mechanisms of action by which the bacterial community interacts with host cells, including epithelial cells and immune cells, to cause tumor development or trigger tumor regression.

MEET THE TEAM

The top scientists and researchers on the SU2C Convergence Research Team: Integrating gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic pipelines to probe the cancer-microbiome connection come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, which leads them to great insights upon collaboration. Learn more about the SU2C Convergence Research Team: Integrating gnotobiotic, organoid, and metabolomic pipelines to probe the cancer-microbiome connection.

Mary Doe

Leader

Keio University