Research project The importance of the MEP pathway in the microbiome and its effect on behavior
Our main aim is to study the effects of bacterial phosphoantigens (HMBPP and IPP) on appetite. We introduced these into mice by gavage and followed the differences in weight gain and gene transcription from relevant tissues. An unexpected effect on male salivary glands focused our interest also on their effects on immune response.
A distorted gut flora is known to contribute to several disease conditions like, inflammatory bowel, obesity, diabetes, anorexia and different mental illnesses. Bacteria utilizing mevalonate (MVA) and the methylene erythro-phosphate (MEP) pathways for isoprenoid synthesis, and the balance between these, has not been studied in human gut before. Both synthesize IPP, the building block of isoprenoids. Fungi, archaea, eukaryotes and some bacteria utilize the MVA pathway. Apicomplexan parasites and many bacteria utilize MEP pathway, including the key IPP-precursor, HMBPP.
Our primary aim is to investigate the putative effect of changing the balance between MVA/MEP bacteria on appetite, immunity and behavior, using germ free (GF) mice as model organism. We use known MEP and MVA pathway inhibitors to treat fecal samples from healthy humans. From samples achieved, the remaining bacteria are determined by 16S RNA sequencing to ascertain MEP and MVA bacteria, respectively.
Project members
Project managers
Ingrid Faye
Professor Emeritus
Members
Carlo Crescenzi
Gästprofessor
