DietBB Seminar Series with Prof. Dr. Jens Walter from APC Ireland

October 18, 2021

Elucidating the role of the gut microbiota in the physiological benefits of dietary fiber

 

 

Abstract: Dietary fiber is an integral part of a healthy diet with an established role in the prevention of weight gain and metabolic pathologies related to obesity. However, questions remain about the mechanisms that underlie effects and the causal contributions of the gut microbiota. Goals of the Walter lab are to develop strategies based on DF to modulate gut microbiota composition and metabolism to improve human health, and to elucidate the mechanisms by which DF induces its metabolic benefits. To be successful, this research must consider both the ecological aspects of fiber fermentation by the gut microbiota as well the complex molecular foundations of host-microbiome interactions. In this talk, I will discuss human intervention studies that (i) applied an ecological framework to understand inter-individual variation in the metabolic response of the gut microbiota to DF, and (ii) the extent to which physiological effects of fiber are mechanistically linked to the gut microbiota.

Online Event (Zoom)
Meeting-ID: 921 6625 7858 – Code: 705762

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