Proposing a novel mechanism in the host-microbiome crosstalk in dysbiosis: the role of small RNAs and mitochondria

The project aims to test whether small bacterial RNAs (sRNAs) enter mitochondria causing damages to their function and consequently to the gut epithelial barrier. Alterations to mitochondrial function and of sRNA levels in the gut have been reported in "leaky gut" conditions. Because sRNAs can travel through the blood, they could reach organs beyond the gut, such as visceral adipose tissue and liver, where they could also impair mitochondrial function. The aim of the study is to verify the mitochondrial damage in the visceral fat and liver in mice with DSS-induced colitis and to associate it with sRNA levels. In addition to small RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization will be used to co-localize mitochondria and sRNAs in the eukaryotic cells. The expected outcome is the identification of sRNAs candidates to further validate the hypothesis that sRNAs and mitochondria modulate the host-microbiome crosstalk.

ÖAW-Disruptive Innovation – Early Career Seed Money

Zentrum für Tierernährung und Tierschutzwissenschaften