Deciphering Host-Microbiome Interactions in Alzheimer's Disease through multi-omics approaches
Project details
First supervisor: Professor Adil Mardinoglu
Duration: 4 years full-time
Funding: Self-funded
Application deadline: Open until a suitable candidate is found
Reference number: 2024/DOCS/AM
Project description
The proposed research, titled "Deciphering Host-Microbiome Interactions in Alzheimer's Disease through multi-omics approaches," aims to explore the intricate relationship between the human microbiome and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a major neurodegenerative disorder. Despite increasing evidence suggesting a link between the microbiome and AD, the detailed molecular interactions remain largely unexplored. This study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by employing a multi-omics approach, integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to comprehensively analyze these interactions. The primary objectives include characterizing the differences in gut and brain microbiome compositions between AD patients and healthy controls, understanding the functional implications of these alterations in the disease's progression, and identifying potential microbial biomarkers or pathways that could serve as therapeutic targets.
The methodology encompasses the recruitment of AD patients and healthy controls, followed by the collection of gut microbiota and brain tissue samples. Advanced omics techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry, will be utilized for an in-depth analysis of microbial DNA, RNA, protein expression, and metabolic profiles. This multi-layered data will then be integrated using sophisticated bioinformatics tools to unravel the complex host-microbiome interactions in AD. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and data privacy, will be strictly adhered to throughout the research. The expected outcomes include a detailed understanding of microbiome changes in AD, insights into how these alterations correlate with the disease pathology, and the identification of novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This research holds significant potential to advance our understanding of AD, offering new perspectives for early detection and intervention strategies in this debilitating disease.
Our lab is at the forefront for the analysis and integration of multi-omics data through the use of AI & systems biology, focusing on unraveling the complexity of various diseases. Major areas of interest include cardiovascular disease, muscle disorders and neurodegenerative disorders and certain types of cancer e.g. glioblastoma. Notably, our work in drug repositioning to find new treatments for Alzheimer's disease represents a significant step in translational medicine. We've also performed studies in understanding the gut microbiota's role in Alzheimer's disease progression, leveraging network analysis to decode molecular mechanisms underpinning these conditions. Our recent advancements in systems medicine have improved therapeutic strategies for liver diseases and neurological diseases and have led to the identification of novel biomarkers for such diseases. Our innovative use of machine learning to analyze large biological datasets underscores our commitment to cutting-edge research that has the potential to lead to new diagnostics and therapies for complex diseases.
Our research group specializes in the analysis and integration of multi-omics data through the use of AI and systems biology techniques to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms of complex metabolism related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and certain types of cancer. By integrating data, we aim to develop novel treatment strategies by the discovery of potential biomarkers and drug targets. Our work has significant implications for patients, offering hope for more personalized and translational medicine. It also benefits healthcare providers by providing better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and it aids pharmaceutical development by developing new drug candidates. Ultimately, our research strives to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals worldwide.
Person specification
Please enquire with supervisor.
To view entry requirements and further general information, see Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD prospectus page.
Next steps
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss projects with the first supervisor prior to submitting an application.
Please apply online at apply.kcl.ac.uk following these steps:
- Register a new account/login
- Once logged in, select Create a new application
- Enter ‘Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time)/(Part-time)' under Choose a programme. Please ensure you select the correct mode of study
- Select a start date from the list.
- Please note: Applicants must include the project reference number (2024/DOCS/AM) in the 'Research proposal' and 'Funding (point 5)' sections of the application.
Contact for further information
Name: Professor Adil Mardinoglu
Email: adil.mardinoglu@kcl.ac.uk
Related Centre: Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions
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