22.1. 2019, Biologie tukové tkáně

PhD project: The role of intestine in differential metabolic effects of various lipid forms of dietary omega-3 fatty acids

Effective absorption and metabolic processing of nutrients represent the main function of the small intestine, which is compromised during the development of obesity. Obesity leads to impairment of the intestinal immune system and is associated with changes in the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function. Long-chain fatty acids of n-3 series (Omega-3), mainly EPA and DHA of marine origin, may protect against obesity and exert anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects. 

The aim of the project is to understand the nature of the mechanisms by which Omega-3 and their metabolites affect intestinal immune system, metabolism and microbiome. The work will include experimenting with wild-type and genetically modified animals combined with administration of Omega-3 in various lipid forms (i.e. triacylglycerols, phospholipids or wax esters). The work will further include routine biochemical approaches, multi-color flow cytometry, proteomics, metabolipidomics, microbiome metagenomics, and/or bioinformatic and multivariate statistical analyses of large datasets generated during the experiments.

Candidate’s profile (requirements):

Highly motivated students with completed Master degree (or those expecting to obtain their degree this year) with a background in biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, immunology, medicine or related fields should apply.  We expect dedication, scientific creativity and the ability and interest to work in an interdisciplinary and interactive team. Experience with in vivo (mouse) and/or in vitro cell models would be advantageous.

Relevant publications:

Adamcova, K., Horakova, O. et al. Reduced Number of Adipose Lineage and Endothelial Cells in Epididymal fat in Response to Omega-3 PUFA in Mice Fed High-Fat Diet. Mar. Drugs 2018, 16(12), 515; doi: 10.3390/md16120515

Rossmeisl, M., Medrikova, D. et al.  Omega-3 phospholipids from fish suppress hepatic steatosis by integrated inhibition of biosynthetic pathways in dietary obese mice. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 2014, 1841, 267-278; doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.11.010

van Schothorst, E. M, Flachs, P. et al. Induction of lipid oxidation by polyunsaturated fatty acids of marine origin in small intestine of mice fed a high-fat diet. BMC Genomics 2009, 10, 110; doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-110

Supervisor:        Mgr. Olga Horáková, Ph.D.