Our research focus lies on the identification, prevention, and mechanistic investigation of environmental- and nutrition-related health risks. We are particularly interested in sustainable, plant-based diets and their bioactive components in the context of promoting healthy aging as well as mitigating climate change–related impacts on human health.
The gut represents a central interface between the environment and the organism and is furthermore connected through complex biological signaling cascades and communication pathways with other organs (e.g., the brain), as well as with other interfaces such as the lungs and the skin. When this barrier function of the gut is impaired by exogenous factors such as unhealthy dietary habits, environmental toxins, or psychological stress (leading to so-called leaky gut), inflammatory processes can occur that are closely associated with the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.
Our goal is to understand the role of “leaky gut” in the pathogenesis of environmentally induced health disorders in humans and thereby contribute to the development of new prevention strategies. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of these processes, we pursue a transdisciplinary research approach. We integrate clinical data with advanced human in vitro co-culture systems at the gut-organ interface and combine these with comprehensive bio-response measurements, particularly for the in-depth characterization of the gut microbiome, cellular aging, and immune defense.

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Study participants aged 63 to 80 wanted!

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新万博体育下载_万博体育app【投注官网】ical doctoral thesis available starting Winter Semester 25/26

Topic: "Stay Cool! Molekulare Mechanismen der Hitzeanpassung und der m?gliche Beitrag ern?hrungsbasierter Interventionen"