Project Details
Projekt
The influence of the microbiome and their metabolites towards epithelial functions and smooth muscle contractility in regards to InsP6 degradation
Applicant
Professorin Dr. Jana Seifert
Subject Area
Animal Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Animal Husbandry
Term
from 2017 to 2022
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 322916021
The overall aim of the proposed project is to identify microbial functions in regards to InsP6 degradation and to study the capacities of the chicken epithelium for myo-inositol (MI) transport. The identification of metabolites and their producers, which stimulate the MI uptake and the gut homeostasis, will throw light on these processes of interest. In addition, the interaction or cross-talk between the microbiota (metabolites) and the host will be investigated by a novel approach using Ussing chambers as short-term incubation systems. Possible effects towards epithelial integrity and transport functions will be described. Smooth muscle contractility will be determined as this is the physiological basis to develop and maintain adequate gastrointestinal motility and is thereby, an essential prerequisite for proper digestion, performance and health of laying hens. Thus, simultaneous performing of two in vitro measures of tissue functions (Ussing chambers, isometric force measures) will allow to reveal a first insight in potential pathways of the cross-talk between gut microbiota and host tissues.The project has close connections to other projects of the Research Unit. Animals used in this study are outside the main animal experiments described in project 1 as fresh tissue material is needed throughout the project period. However, animal breeds, diets and periods of life are adequate to the main experiments. Methods to characterize the microbiota are extensively used in project 4. MI transport studies will be carried out in close association to work proposed in project 5. Intestinal barrier functions determined in Ussing chamber experiments can be combined with results obtained in project 7.
DFG Programme
Research Units
Co-Investigators
Professorin Dr. Amelia Camarinha Silva; Professorin Dr. Korinna Huber
