Pregnancy-induced changes in the gut microbiome enhance beta cell function via FFAR2 signaling

  • Layden, Brian T (PD/PI)

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description

Diabetes is an epidemic that affects a growing population each year and is associated with risk factors that lead to cardiovascular disease. Pregnancy is a commonly used model of insulin resistance, the key characteristic of diabetes and often the result of impaired beta cell function. Our lab has identified a gene (free fatty acid receptor 2; ffar2) that is differentially regulated during pregnancy and positively correlates with improved beta cell function. FFAR2 is activated by molecules produced by bacteria that occupy the human gut; the composition of which is also altered during pregnancy. The goal of this study is to identify the changes in the bacterial composition of the gut during pregnancy and describe how it contributes to improved beta cell function via FFAR2 signaling.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date7/1/156/30/16

Funding

  • American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate (15PRE25750015)

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