Mechanistic Dissection of Microbiome-mediated Effects of Dietary Arginine During IBD

Awarded in 2025

Updated Dec 3, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Mechanistic Dissection of Microbiome-mediated Effects of Dietary Arginine During IBD, led by research associate Chi Yan, PhD, investigates how dietary arginine influences intestinal inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using controlled animal models and molecular profiling, this study aims to identify the microbial taxa and biological pathways that shape how this amino acid affects disease outcomes. By clarifying the microbiome-dependent mechanisms behind these varied responses, the project seeks to inform the development of personalized, nutrition-based approaches to improve IBD care. Margaret Alexander, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, serves as the supervising mentor.

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research icon: microscope and stethoscope

Postdoctoral Grant

Awarded in 2025

The project, Modeling the Diabetic Heart in Engineered Heart Tissue, led by postdoctoral fellow Angela Greenman, PhD, aims to improve understanding of how type 2 diabetes affects the heart by developing a new stem cell–based model of diabetic heart tissue. By engineering human heart tissue that reflects the biology of diabetes, this study will provide a platform to examine how the disease develops and progresses. The project also incorporates specialized training in a novel technique for assessing the relaxation phase of the heartbeat, which is a common problem for individuals with type 2 diabetes. J. Carter Ralphe, MD, professor and division chief, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, serves as the supervising mentor.

Postdoctoral Grant

Awarded in 2025

The project, Improved Detection of Breast Cancer During Imaging and Surgery with a New Contrast Agent, led by research associate S. A. Amali S. Subasinghe, PhD, aims to improve the detection and surgical removal of breast cancer using a new contrast agent that becomes visible only within tumor tissue. The agent is activated by the enzyme cPLA2α, which is more active in cancer cells than in healthy cells, causing the compound to form a natural black pigment that highlights tumors. The study will test the contrast agent using optoacoustic imaging to detect tumors deep within the body and evaluate its ability to help surgeons visually identify tumor tissue during operations. Mark (Marty) Pagel, PhD, professor in the Department of Medical Physics, serves as the supervising mentor.