A05

A05: Functional analysis of bile acids and the gut microbiome as important mediators of gut-liver interactions

Bile acids produced in the liver regulate the resorption of lipids in the gut. Moreover, they alter the composition and functions of the gut microbiota. In turn, some members of the microbiota metabolize bile acids with consequences on their bio-availability, biological properties, and metabolic functions in the liver.

Hence, the crosstalk between bile acids and gut bacteria plays an important role in gut-liver interactions. Little is known about the impact of specific secondary bile acids on liver physiology and about different bile acid types and levels on the gut microbiota and its metabolic activities. Using continuous culture and gnotobiotic mice we will try to answer the following questions:

Using continuous culture and gnotobiotic mice we will try to answer the following questions:

• By which mechanisms do bile acid compositions and concentrations impact gut microbiota community structure and functions in minimal and complex microbial communities?
• What are the mechanisms underlying the impact of specific bile acid-metabolizing bacteria (Coriobacteriaceae) on microbial community functions and on the host?
• What is the basis of host species-specific features of the gut microbiota-bile acids crosstalk?

Our findings will deliver novel insights into the ecology of microbiota-bile acids interactions and their contribution to liver pathophysiology.

Involved scientists