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Diet diversity and gut microbiota collectively regulate the function of the immune system and the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Compositionally imbalanced and dysfunctional gut microbiota (aka dysbiosis) contributes to the development of several intestinal [e.g., inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)] and extra-intestinal (e.g., metabolic syndrome and liver cancer) diseases. Unquestionably, the gut microbiome regulates our gastrointestinal and liver health.

However, the current understanding of how gut microbiota exacerbates or mitigates gastrointestinal inflammation is minimal. For instance, current research is in the nascent stages of knowing how beneficial gut bacteria switch to become opportunistic pathogens and trigger chronic inflammatory disorders. Dietary fibers are capable of correcting such dysbiosis by shaping both the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota. 

The lab's current research aims to identify the molecular link by which microbial fermentation-derived metabolites regulate the development of chronic inflammatory disorders. Specifically, by employing the experimental mouse model(s), our lab is currently pursuing the following questions: (i) Is the fortification of refined fermentable fiber(s) in processed food ‘good’ for all humans? (ii) If not, which groups are likely to have adverse effects from the over-consumption of fermentable fibers such as inulin?

The Nutrition and Microbiome—Singh Lab is currently focusing on the following research areas: 

  • Dietary interventions to support metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment.
  • Develop microbiome-informed dietary fiber interventions to improve chronic inflammatory disorders, including MAFLD and IBD.

Past Studies

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Impacts of guar gum-induced shift in gut microbiome and colonic inflammation

This study aimed to determine how the refined fiber guar gum affects gut microbiota activity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Read more to see the results of this study.

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Inulin promotes colon tumorigenesis by modulating microbial succinate production

In this study, the lab investigated the effects of refined dietary inulin on intestinal health. Learn more about the researchers' findings.

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Microbiota fermentation shapes the impact of dietary fibers on intestinal inflammation

This study examined how replacing cellulose with inulin and pectin impacts intestinal inflammation. Learn more about this study and its findings.

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Students who are interested in our research and student lab opportunities should contact us to learn more.