Depression is a public health crisis that affects adolescents and young adults at alarming rates during a critical life stage that influences the trajectory of their lives. As many available treatment options have a risk of various mild to severe side effects, there has been a growing interest in developing less invasive treatment options. In recent years, the gut-brain axis has emerged as a new pathway to learn about and develop targeted treatment for. And a key player in that axis is the gut microbiota – the bacteria that are responsible for additional food breakdown and release various signaling molecules in the process. Understanding how these bacteria can affect overall mood allows us to develop strategies to improve chemical signaling in the brain through nutritional interventions.
The lab's research aims involves:
Identifying focal bacteria(e) and signaling molecules that are associated in the “depression” gut microbiome signature
Development and execution of clinical trials designed to test novel care options in adolescence
Work with sample processing facilities to uncover any significant interactions or associations between the gut microbiome and mood/brain activity.