Version 2.5.2.0 CRISP Logo CRISP Homepage Help for CRISP Email Us

Abstract

Grant Number: 1R01AT004326-01A1
Project Title: Modulation of NF-kB Signaling by Immunoprobiotics
PI Information:NameEmailTitle
VERSALOVIC, JAMES jamesv@bcm.edu

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall hypothesis of this proposal is that glycerol/glycerophospholipid metabolism is a focal point for determining the relative capacities of probiotics to suppress NF-?B and MAP kinase signaling in mammalian cells. Ultimately, suppression of key signaling pathways results in down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and selective depletion of activated immune cells. Targeted and random mutagenesis strategies will be used to generate insertion mutants of probiotics that gain or lose the ability to suppress NF-?B activation or MAP kinase signaling. Bioreactors with defined combinations of intestinal bacteria will be used in order to simulate gut bacterial ecosystems. Myeloid and epithelial cells will be combined in co-culture models in order to provide simplified models of the gut mucosa. Primary candidate immunoregulatory factors produced by lactobacilli include glycerophospholipid derivatives that may down-regulate pro-inflammatory responses. Finally, selected probiotic mutants will be introduced into a defined microbiota-containing mouse model in order to study effects of a defined microbiome on NF-?B activation and MAP kinase immune signaling pathways in vivo. These studies will occur within the context of well-characterized fluctuations of the intestinal microbiota so that microbial and host contributions to immunoregulation can be investigated in parallel using one mouse model. 1. Generate insertional mutants of immunoprobiotic Lactobacillus reuteri and identify key bacterial genes that regulate factors affecting NF-?B and MAP kinase signaling pathways. 2. Investigate regulation of NF-?B and MAP kinase signaling in a simulated gut mucosa by probiotics/mutants in the milieu of a defined microbiota. 3. Introduce wild type and isogenic probiotic mutants into IL-10-deficient mice with a defined microbiome in order to study probiotic effects on NF-?B and MAP kinase signaling pathways in vivo. PUBLIC HEALTH REVELANCE: The investigator seeks to understand how beneficial bacteria may regulate inflammation in the intestine. This project includes a simulation of the intestinal microbial community so that investigations take place in the context of conditions similar to the complex intestinal environment. Finally, a mouse model of intestinal inflammation will be used to explore which genes of beneficial bacteria are important for regulating intestinal immune responses in mammals.

Public Health Relevance:
This Public Health Relevance is not available.

Thesaurus Terms:

There are no thesaurus terms on file for this project.

Institution: BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
1 BAYLOR PLAZA
HOUSTON, TX 770303498
Fiscal Year: 2008
Department: PATHOLOGY
Project Start: 01-SEP-2008
Project End: 31-AUG-2012
ICD: NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
IRG: ZAT1


CRISP Homepage Help for CRISP Email Us