PROBio LatAm – List of hosts accepting graduate students and postdocs

Name: Ramos-Molina, Bruno  (He / Him)

Research Area(s): Metabolism

Affiliation: Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB)

Country: Spain

Website 

Scientific Interests:

Our lab is currently working on several research projects aimed at understanding the physiopathology of obesity and related metabolic diseases, with special interest in the study of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Why MASLD?

MASLD is currently the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with an estimated global prevalence of over 30%. It’s projected that in the coming years, MASLD will surpass alcohol as the leading reason for liver transplantation in the general population. MASLD is directly linked to various extrahepatic comorbidities, including obesity, T2DM, dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease, leading many researchers to view it as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome.

The pathogenesis of MASLD has been the subject of extensive study over the past decade. However, the mechanisms driving its progression to MASLD remain only partially understood. Emerging evidence suggests that the physiopathology of MASLD is significantly influenced by various dietary and environmental factors. These factors may play a role in the development and progression of the disease by instigating alterations in gut microbiota and/or inducing epigenetic modifications, among other potential mechanisms.

In our lab, we aim to unravel the intricate relationship between the gut and the liver in the pathogenesis of MASLD and T2DM. We also investigate the potential impact of epigenetics and epitranscriptomic mechanisms on MASLD  and T2DM development and progression. Concurrently, we explore the therapeutic prospects of microbiota-targeted dietary interventions for patients with MASLD and other obesity-related metabolic disorders  such as T2DM.

Research lines

1. Unveiling the role of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in MASLD pathogenesis

One of our primary lab projects focuses on investigating the role of gut microbiome profiles in the pathogenesis of MASLD. We aim to understand how the gut microbiota-derived metabolome may be linked to the progression of simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, or even hepatocarcinoma (HCC). To achieve this, we are developing a multi-omic platform that combines metagenomics for determining gut microbiota composition and metabolomics for analyzing serum metabolites associated with the gut microbiota, such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids and others.

2. Epitranscriptomic analysis in patients with MASLD/MASH: exploring diagnostic and therapeutic potential

Recent studies conducted in experimental models have raised the possibility of RNA methylation (m6A) playing a role in chronic liver disease including MASLD/MASH. The overarching aim of this project is to ascertain the epitranscriptomic profile associated with the presence of MASLD and MASH. Additionally, we aim to pinpoint epitranscriptomic modifications in liquid biopsy samples with diagnostic potential and assess whether modulating epitranscriptomic mechanisms could be a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of MASH by using human liver organoids derived from liver tissue samples of patients with obesity and MASLD.

3. Role of small intestine in type 2 diabetes mellitus and search for new therapeutic strategies

In this project our aim is to explore the mechanisms by which the small intestine contributes to T2DM progression and to evaluate the effectiveness of butyrate, a SCFA, in different T2DM-related parameters and intestinal permeability. For that purpose, we are establishing a state-of-the-art model of human intestinal organoids derived from small intestine samples of patients with obesity and T2DM.

This offer applies to trainees/researchers eligible for the following fellowships

PROBio-LatAm Fellowships

Contact:

bruno.ramos@imib.es