UTILIZING ISOGENIC, WAXY SORGHUM LINES TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTS OF RESISTANT STARCH ON INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION AND GUT MICROBIAL DYSBIOSIS

The goal of this research fellowship is to determine if resistant starch (RS), a specific component of whole grain sorghum, can protect against intestinal inflammation and gut microbial dysbiosis. To achieve this goal, we will feed diets containing either whole grain sorghum flour or a nearly-isogenic waxy sorghum, which is naturally depleted of RS, to human-microbiome-associated (HMA) mice.Objectives:1) assess the influence of sorghum RS consumption on the development of IBD in human-microbiome-associated (HMA) mice; and2) assess the ability of sorghum RS to modulate the function and taxonomic composition of the gut microbiota of HMA mice.In aligning with the goals of the AFRI EWD program, a major goal of this project also includes preparing the PD for career in nutrition research. Towards this goal, the PD will meet the following objectives: 1) Develop bioinformatics skills, 2) Establish a professional network, and 3) Gain experience mentoring students.