Multiomic Signatures of Microbial Metabolites Following Prebiotic Fiber Supplementation

Phenolics-rich prebiotic fiber has been correlated with a number of positive health outcomes, however their bioavailability is typically low. A large portion the gut microbiota metabolize these fibers releasing a range of phenolic acids, which are believed to be principle bioactive components driving reduction in disease risk. Despite this, little evidence exists linking specific gut bacteria with the metabolites they produce and the downstream biological effects that these compounds exert. With this study, the investigators propose to assemble a cohort of healthy individuals that will receive prebiotic supplementation, during comprehensive, longitudinal characterization of the microbiota and host changes with clinical markers and multiple omics assays. These multiomic data will then be integrated, generating unique biological signatures that define the role that microbial metabolites from specific bacteria play in host biological activity. To validate the biological function of these microbial metabolites, gnobiotic mice will be inoculated with the microbial strains identified. The newly identified metabolites will also be synthesized in vitro to demonstrate their structure, biological properties and applications. Through this study the investigators expect to gain a detailed and clear understanding of the physiological changes, at the mechanistic level, that occur in the microbiome and host in response to dietary supplementation with prebiotic fiber.