Our Research Areas of Interest
Impact of the gut microbiome on development or maintenance of AN
The development of the gut microbiome in the first year of life is directed by both genetic and environmental factors and can have a life-long impact on the immune and other organ systems. We are particularly interested in research on the impact of the early gut microbiome on the development of later AN, anxiety, and depression.
Development of the gut-brain connection early in life
The gut-brain axis (GBA) represents bidirectional communication between the central and enteric nervous systems. The links between the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal function may involve the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. We are particularly interested in research that advances understanding of the impact of diet and the gut microbiome in the first months of life on the development of the GBA and how it might modulate risk for AN and anxiety and/or depression later in life.
Search for early biomarkers for elevated an risk
Establishing a path to prevention could be illuminated by identifying biomarkers for an elevated risk of AN, depression, and anxiety. We are particularly interested in research designed to identify early life changes in physiology using multi-omic techniques including genomic, epigenetic, proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic changes associated with increased risk of AN. Both animal models and human studies will be considered.
Biological crossroads: autoimmunity and AN
We are inviting proposals investigating the emerging link between anorexia nervosa and autoimmune conditions (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, Celiac disease, allergies, asthma, and IBD). We seek projects leveraging large, existing epidemiological datasets to assess anorexia nervosa as an endpoint alongside autoimmune disease prevalence. Special consideration will be given to studies exploring how early-life factors such as infant nutrition, microbiome development, and immune system programming may influence susceptibility to both autoimmunity and anorexia nervosa.