Collaboration in Nutrition and Immunometabolism: focus on the role of bile acids as metabolism integrators and determinants of intestinal microbiota composition

• Grant number: 25/02941-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutrition Biochemistry
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Jarlei Fiamoncini
• Grantee: Jarlei Fiamoncini
• Principal researcher abroad: Karsten Hiller
• Institution abroad: University of Technology Braunschweig, Germany
• Principal researcher abroad: Michael Zimmermann
• Institution abroad: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg (EMBL), Germany
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02941-6 - Bile acids as determinants of postprandial metabolism and intestinal microbial colonization in newborns, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

This proposal outlines a collaborative research initiative between the University of São Paulo (USP), the Technical University of Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig), and the European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL), focusing on the role of bile acids as integrators of metabolism and immune function, and their influence on the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Building on a well-established partnership between Prof. Jarlei Fiamoncini (USP) and Prof. Karsten Hiller (TU Braunschweig), and a newly formed collaboration with Dr. Michael Zimmermann (EMBL), this project aims to advance understanding of bile acid metabolism and its interactions with the gut microbiome. The collaboration will leverage the complementary expertise of the groups: Prof. Fiamoncini's experience in preclinical and clinical studies on postprandial metabolism, Prof. Hiller's expertise in metabolomics and immunometabolism, and Dr. Zimmermann's innovative platform for studying microbial biotransformations of bile acids.Key activities include researcher exchanges, joint symposia, and student internships, as well as the continuation of a joint postgraduate course "Current Topics in Nutrition and Metabolism." Specific objectives include the development of novel methodologies for analyzing bile acid metabolism, the submission of joint research proposals to funding agencies, and the publication of high-impact studies in the field of immunometabolism. The project will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and techniques between the groups, with preclinical and clinical studies conducted in Brazil and advanced metabolomic and microbial biotransformation analysis carried out in Germany. The collaboration aims to uncover new insights into the role of bile acids in metabolic regulation, inflammation, and microbiota-host interactions, ultimately contributing to the development of innovative therapeutic and nutritional strategies. (AU)