Microbiome in Health & Disease Translational Laboratory
Translational Research Lines
Microbiome in Health & Disease Translational Laboratory
The aim of the Microbiome in Health and Disease Translational Laboratory is to develop innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutics to intercept, prevent, and treat colorectal cancer, leveraging on the potential of the microbiome.
Colorectal cancer is the type of cancer with the higher incidence of cases diagnosed in Portugal, with 10000 new cases every year. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms of colorectal cancer and its interaction with the microbiome, the lab will develop tangible clinical applications that will have a significant impact on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
To achieve these aims the lab is comprised of an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of clinical microbiologists, computational biologists, nutritionists, immunologists, and gastroenterologists. Through an ambitious and multidisciplinary approach that combines cutting-edge techniques in genomics, metabolomics, and immunology, the lab strives to unravel the complex interplay between the microbiome and colorectal cancer.
Our research focuses on three key areas:
We aim to identify and validate novel gut microbiome biomarkers for risk assessment and early colorectal cancer diagnosis using precision microbiome profiling and machine learning technology. By analyzing the gut microbiota in individuals at different stages of colorectal cancer, we aim to enhance screening methods and enable early intervention.
We study the role of microbial metabolites in shaping host immune responses in colorectal cancer. Through metabolomic profiling and culturomics, we aim to uncover the specific microbial metabolites linked to distinct immune responses in colorectal cancer. This knowledge will deepen our understanding of the microbiome-immune system crosstalk and facilitate the development of novel biotherapeutics.
By harnessing the power of beneficial microbes, we aim to modulate the host immune system in a favourable manner, potentially mitigating the risk of colorectal cancer development or aiding in treatment strategies. This research avenue holds promise for the development of novel probiotics or microbial-based therapies that can be tailored to specific individuals or subgroups at risk.
Through an ambitious and multidisciplinary approach that combines cutting-edge techniques in genomics, metabolomics, and immunology, our lab strives to unravel the complex interplay between the microbiome and CRC. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms, we aim to translate our findings into tangible clinical applications that will have a significant impact on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Team
On the Verge of Discovery