Project Details
Projekt
Functional Microbiomics and Metabolomics Research
Applicant
Michael Zimmermann, Ph.D.
Subject Area
Gastroenterology
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 537604907
The gut microbiome, a vast community of microorganisms in the intestines, plays a significant role in health and has been increasingly linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) development. CRC, one of the most common cancers globally, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including the gut microbiome’s impact on inflammation, immune responses, and metabolic processes. Within this framework, the tumour microbiome, which refers to microbes found within tumour tissues, can directly interact with cancer cells and the tumour environment. Certain bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Escherichia coli, contribute to cancer progression through mechanisms like promoting immune resistance or producing genotoxins that damage DNA. Additionally, bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate are beneficial, reducing CRC risk, while harmful metabolites like secondary bile acids and hydrogen sulfide can promote tumour development. Despite this growing understanding, several technical challenges limit deeper insights into microbiome-CRC interactions. These include the lack of comprehensive libraries of microbiota-derived metabolites, difficulties in metabolomics profiling, variability in clinical samples, and limitations in current metabolomics techniques. Moreover, reproducibility issues arise from inconsistent study designs and measurement methods across research groups. To address these challenges, this Central Project (CP1) will support the GenoMiCC consortium by providing metabolomics services, chemical libraries, and support with microbiome-specific animal models. By improving standardisation, developing more sensitive analytical methods, and fostering larger collaborative studies, this initiative aims to enhance the reproducibility and clinical relevance of microbiome and metabolomics findings in CRC research.
DFG Programme
Research Units
