Summary
This project aims to decipher the role of the gut microbiome in canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) using a patient-specific gut-on-a-chip model, with implications for human diseases, as part of a 5-year career development plan for an independent research scientist.
What they want
The research involves developing and validating a patient-specific IBD model to quantitatively assess the cellular and molecular signature of host-microbiome crosstalk (Aim 1). It will also map the microbial signature and epithelial integrity in response to host-microbiome intercellular crosstalk using single-cell level multi-omics (genomics and transcriptomics) and RNA in situ hybridization (Aim 2). The project leverages expertise in comparative gastroenterology, molecular biology, intestinal stem cell biology, microbiome, and microfluidic organ-on-chip technology, using dogs as a spontaneous animal model for human diseases.
Deliverables
- Demonstration of molecular and genetic alterations affecting canine IBD
- Mapping of the microbial signature and epithelial integrity in response to host-microbiome intercellular crosstalk
- New insights into genetic and transcriptomic alterations initiating or maintaining chronic inflammation in the gut
Key personnel
- Independent R01-funded tenure track research scientist (applicant)
- Mentoring team
