Evaluating the Protective Role of Lactobacillus Postbiotic Metabolites Against Bile Acid-Induced Genotoxic Stress in Esophageal Disease Progression

Knight Research Scholars Program Project

Evaluating the Protective Role of Lactobacillus Postbiotic Metabolites Against Bile Acid-Induced Genotoxic Stress in Esophageal Disease Progression

Learn about this research project, meet the faculty and student researchers, review participation expectations, and check current availability.

Project Availability

Team Size
2 team members
Open Spots
0 Team currently full
Affiliations
College of Medicine
Team Leaders
Faculty Mentor

  • Claudia Andl, PhD

Team Member Qualifications

Preferred skills and experience include:

Wet Lab Techniques: Familiarity with basic molecular biology and histology workflows, such as mammalian cell culture, RNA extraction, qPCR, or tissue processing/sectioning.

Microbiology: Basic experience handling or culturing bacterial strains (Lactobacillus species).

Data Analysis & Imaging: Exposure to or interest in computational tools for data analysis (such as R programming) or digital image analysis/quantification software (such as Fiji/ImageJ).

Academic Background: Coursework in immunology, molecular biology, microbiology, or cancer biology.

CITI Training Requirements: Successful completion of the CITI "Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) - Biomedical" course, EHS course "Bloodborne Pathogens," and the relevant Laboratory Animal Research/IACUC modules for mouse handling (only if interested in mice work). Core Competencies: Basic laboratory safety awareness, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, and strong organizational skills for documenting experimental data. A commitment of at least 15 hours per week is required.

Description

This project investigates how Lactobacillus species and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) mitigate DNA damage and chronic inflammation associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus. Using in vitro esophageal cell lines and an IL-1β transgenic mouse model, we are characterizing the capacity of specific postbiotic metabolites—including mesaconic acid—to suppress genotoxic stress and alter the DNA damage response. The goal of this research is to identify novel, microbiome-derived therapeutic interventions capable of mitigating the progression from chronic inflammation to metaplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma.