Understanding the Effects of Dietary and Microbially Derived Metabolites on Gut Epithelial and Immune Cell Homeostasis During Aging
Some of the tissues in our body, such as the gut, are highly dependent on adult stem cells to regenerate and to function properly. Age-dependent decline of stem cell function and regeneration may predispose us to develop pathologies such as inflammation and cancer. Intestinal stem cells and their niche are highly responsive to nutrient changes, and it has been shown that dietary interventions, such as fasting, can enhance intestinal stem cell function in aged animals. The gut is also home to trillions of bacteria with unique metabolic signatures that contribute to the complex milieu of metabolites in the lumen. Dr. Mihaylova hopes to gain insights into how age-dependent changes of microbial metabolites may influence epithelial and immune cell function. Ultimately, these findings may lead to novel strategies for enhancing intestinal regeneration and immune homeostasis during aging, which may help in treating intestinal cancer and inflammatory disorders.