A physiologically-based model of bile acid metabolism (A06)

• Subject Area: Bioinformatics and Theoretical Biology
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 403224013

The goal of this project is to develop a computational model of bile acid metabolism in both mice and humans. Transport processes as well as transformation of bile acids in different organs during enterohepatic circulation will be mechanistically considered. The validated model will be used to analyse changes in bile acid composition and gut microbiota of patients following liver transplantation or TIPS treatment. Thus, the model will support screening for markers underlying specific pathophysiological alterations to identify patients at risk for complications. In mice, the model could be used in the future for refinement of experimental designs in line with the 3Rs policy.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1382: Gut-liver axis – Functional circuits and therapeutic targets
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Heads: Professor Lars Blank, Ph.D., until 6/2023; Professor Dr. Ulf P. Neumann; Professor Dr. Christian Trautwein, until 6/2023