Prenatal Cigarette Smoke Exposure: Impact on Offspring Gut Bacterial Microbiome

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ABSTRACT This Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research is to support a graduate student to perform research funded by R15 award 2R15ES028440-02A1, Prenatal Cigarette Smoke Exposure: Impact on Offspring Gut Bacterial Microbiome. Mr. Isaiah Burciaga is eligible for this award on multiple fronts: he is an underrepresented minoritized (Afro-Latino) student in science from a rural, economically disadvantaged background who is a first-generation college student. He has demonstrated interest in a biomedical research career and has exhibited ability both academically and technically to fulfill that career goal. The studies proposed within the parent award use a well-developed murine model of developmental exposure to tobacco smoke. We have shown effects of prenatal cigarette smoke exposure (CSE) on birth weight, catch-up growth, and gut bacterial microbiome in mouse dams and their offspring, as well as effects on offspring phenotype. However, we do not know if the observed changes in microbiome and offspring phenotype are linked. We will measure the effect of cecal transfer of microbiomes or dietary resistant starch on those same measures in this model. Our central hypothesis, that CSE-induced gut microbiome alterations are linked to offspring phenotype, will be tested within 2 aims: Aim 1: use cecal transfer in weanlings to separate effects of CSE-induced microbiome from CSE itself Aim 2: use dietary resistant starch to increase short-chain fatty acids before vs after puberty If our central hypothesis is supported, additional studies will delve into gut-liver-brain axis consequences of intestinal dysbiosis, as well as investigate potential interventions. Mr. Burciaga’s research training will focus primarily on Aim 2 and will include participation in professional development activities through the UofL Graduate School, participation in scientific conferences, grant writing, and publication.