Noel Theodore Mueller, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH). He seeks a K01 Award to obtain the skill set, knowledge and mentored research experience critical for his transition from an early career scientist adept in conducting secondary data analyses in observational epidemiologic cohorts to an independent scientist who analyzes and conducts trials designed to intervene on microbial communities that contribute to cardiometabolic disease. Two essential components of his transition into research independence are hands-on mentored training in 1) the conduct and design of clinical trials and translational microbiome experiments and 2) the analysis and interpretation of high-dimensional microbiome data. The proposed K01 Career Development plan will accomplish these goals. One of the most exciting areas of investigation related to prevention of cardiometabolic disease pertains to the etiologic role of the diet-gut microbiome relationship. Research on the gut microbiome as a target for prevention and therapy is an intriguing arena for public health because unlike the human genome, the gut microbiome is modifiable. Observational studies, murine models and small trials suggest dietary factors may exert many of their health effects in the host through modification of the gut microbiota. However, large rigorous trials in humans are needed to determine the effect of diet interventions on the gut microbiota, and whether changes to the gut microbiota associate with treatment-related improvements in cardiometabolic health. The overall objective of this application is to examine the effects of dietary interventions on the gut microbiota and their short chain fatty acid metabolites in racially-diverse participants in randomized trial settings. A secondary objective is to explore if diet-induced changes in the gut microbiota and their metabolites are associated with changes in blood pressure. Dr. Mueller will carry out this research in the rich training environment of the Johns Hopkins Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research and the JHSPH Department of Epidemiology, under the collaborative and supportive mentorship of Dr. Lawrence Appel, MD, MPH, Director of the Welch Center and Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the JHSOM and JHSPH; and co-mentor Dr. Cynthia Sears, MD, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Disease and Gastroenterology. With the support of Dr. Mueller?s mentor, co-mentor and advisors, he is well positioned to complete the proposed activities. In addition to leading this research, Dr. Mueller will attend courses, workshops, seminars, scientific meetings, and participate in weekly study activities with his mentors. This mentored training will enable Dr. Mueller to grow into an independent researcher, with expertise in the design, conduct and analysis of microbiome studies, focused on understanding the intersecting role of nutrition and the microbiome in cardiometabolic diseases.

Public Health Relevance

Accumulating evidence suggests the microorganisms in our intestinal tract, otherwise known as the gut microbiota, contribute to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The proposed research aims to determine the effects of diet interventions on the gut microbiota and their metabolites in racially-diverse populations. The results of this study will help to elucidate the mechanisms by which these diet interventions might affect cardiometabolic health, and identify novel microbial signatures that can be targeted for innovative strategies to prevent cardiometabolic disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01HL141589-03
Application #
9920766
Study Section
NHLBI Mentored Clinical and Basic Science Review Committee (MCBS)
Program Officer
Boyington, Josephine
Project Start
2018-05-01
Project End
2023-04-30
Budget Start
2020-05-01
Budget End
2021-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21205
Differding, Moira K; Mueller, Noel T (2018) Are household disinfectants microbially mediated obesogens? CMAJ 190:E1095-E1096