Identifying microbiome-related mechanisms of polyp progression and regression in a porcine model for colorectal cancer (P12)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 395357507

We have generated a novel translational pig model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is based on the TNFΔΑRE/+ mouse. The model closely reflects the human disease. We have also characterised temporal and spatial changes of the microbiota in both the IBD and APC1311 mutant colorectal cancer (CRC) pig models. The APC1311 pigs show high incidence of polyps accompanied by regression of adenomas. Preliminary results suggest that the microbiome impacts the natural immune surveillance of polyps. In the next funding period, the tumour-immune cell- microbiome interactions in pro-/regressing polyps will be investigated. Further, the impact of high/low fat and high/low protein diets on immune surveillance will be studied. Finally, we will model subtypes of CRC by introducing further oncogenic mutations and analyse their effect on bacterial composition and the polyp pro-/regressing phenotype.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1371: Microbiome Signatures -- Functional Relevance in the Digestive Tract
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Tatiana Flisikowska, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Dieter Saur; Professorin Dr. Angelika Schnieke, until 12/2022