Research Projects

The project aims to investigate the potential of Gum acacia (GA) dietary fiber as a preventive measure against colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly in the context of obesity. Rationale/Gaps: Despite the increasing prevalence of CRC in obese populations, there is a gap in understanding how dietary factors can influence the development of this cancer. The project addresses this gap by focusing on GA soluble fiber, a relatively unexplored dietary component; to elucidate its preventive effects on obesity associated CRC. Novelty: Dietary fibers are mainly fermented by the gut microbiota, but their roles on obesity associated CRC are largely unclear. The proposed research is novel in its specific exploration of dietary fiber's GA impact on obesity associated CRC. Objectives: 1. Assess the impact of dietary GA fiber on CRC development in an experimental mouse model of obesity. 2. Explore the effects of GA on the modulation of gut microbiota composition and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. 3. Investigate the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the influence of GA on CRC development in the context of obesity. Methods: The research will use a combination of in vivo and ex vivo models, employing animal models to replicate obesity-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) through high fat/sucrose diet (HF/HSD) and Azoxymethane (AOM) or Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) treatments. • Whole transcriptome RNA sequencing will be performed on tumors from obesity-related CRC animals to analyze gene expression. • Gut microbiota will be profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing, and metabolite analysis will be conducted via LC-MS. • Fecal microbiota transplantation will be used to investigate the role of gut microbiota in CRC development. • The gut microbiota profile will also be validated using clinical samples. • Finally, in vitro analyses will be conducted to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity-induced CRC. Expected outcome: The project anticipates providing valuable insights into the preventive effects of GA fiber on CRC within the context of obesity. If successful, the findings could contribute to the development of dietary strategies for CRC prevention, particularly for individuals at risk due to obesity.