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Modulatory Effects of the Functional Gut Microbiome in Relation to Cassava Associated Motor and Neurocognitive Deficits

Award Number: K01TW011772
ORGANIZATION: FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/22/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2026

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Modulatory Effects of the Functional Gut Microbiome in Relation to Cassava Associated Motor and Neurocognitive Deficits - Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) serves as a staple crop for more than 600 million people in tropical regions of the world. Two types of cassava are traditionally grown across the globe, the “sweet” and “bitter” varieties, the latter being an environmentally tolerant plant, harboring extremely high to lethal doses of toxic cyanogenic compounds. Chronic dietary reliance on toxic cassava is associated with cyanide neurotoxicity, causing an irreversible, non-progressive motor neuron disease known as konzo and possibly, deficits in neurocognition. Within prone regions of sub-Saharan Africa, there are a disproportionate number of children affected for reasons and mechanisms that have yet to be fully elucidated. While nearly most subjects in konzo-affected villages rely heavily on cyanogenic cassava as a staple food, only about 5 to 10% present with a visible spastic paraparesis. This suggests that exposure levels, nutrition, and environmental components such as the detoxification capabilities of the gut microbiome are likely contributing factors in disease susceptibility. We have shown that the gut flora profiles are significantly different between adolescents who rely on cassava with low-high levels of toxicity in the DRC. Even within a region of the DRC that is highly susceptible to outbreaks of disease, there are marked differences in bacterial composition between unaffected individuals depending on whether they reside in villages with historically high or low konzo prevalence, again adding to the likelihood of disease modulation through the gut microbiome. Based on insight from our preliminary and published data, we will investigate if there are functional differences in the gut-flora between sex-matched sibling pairs who are discordant for disease, by utilizing metagenomic and transcriptomic sequencing approaches on stool specimens (Aim 1). Using the same study population, we will also determine if metabolic biomarkers are identifiable that indicate a disease state or susceptibility using state-of-the-art metabolic applications, such as ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) (Aim 2). The data generated from both approaches will enable us to not only assess the profiles and functionality of the gut microbiome in relation to disease status, but will provide the power to determine the host-microbiome interaction in regards to downstream metabolic processes. Given that the World Health Organization estimates that the burden and deaths resulting from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will surpass those from malaria and HIV combined, in the coming years, we have embedded a comprehensive advanced training plan to expand knowledge on pertinent topics relating to NCDs, such as nutrition, toxicology, neuroepidemiology and other relevant disciplines. Collectively, this proposal and training plan will significantly expand our understanding of disease modulators associated with cassava neurotoxicity that can be potentially used for monitoring and prevention strategies, while providing adequate academic and research-based training for an independent global health scientific career.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $137,672 )
2025	2025	CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE	111 MICHIGAN AVE NW	WASHINGTON	DC	20010	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	USA	International Research and Research Training	000	5	8/6/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$137,672
														Subtotal = $137,672

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $138,834 )
2024	2024	CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE	111 MICHIGAN AVE NW	WASHINGTON	DC	20010	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	USA	International Research and Research Training	000	4	8/2/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$138,834
														Subtotal = $138,834

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $141,437 )
2023	2023	CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE	111 MICHIGAN AVE NW	WASHINGTON	DC	20010	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	USA	International Research and Research Training	000	3	7/25/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$141,437
														Subtotal = $141,437

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $141,437 )
2022	2022	CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE	111 MICHIGAN AVE NW	WASHINGTON	DC	20010	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	USA	International Research and Research Training	001	2	7/27/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$141,437
2022	2021	CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE	111 MICHIGAN AVE NW	WASHINGTON	DC	20010	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	USA	International Research and Research Training	000	1	2/14/2022	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $141,437

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $141,215 )
2021	2021	CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE	111 MICHIGAN AVE NW	WASHINGTON	DC	20010	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	USA	International Research and Research Training	000	1	9/20/2021	NEW	$141,215
														Subtotal = $141,215

Grand Total All Awards = $700,595

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Modulatory Effects of the Functional Gut Microbiome in Relation to Cassava Associated Motor and Neurocognitive Deficits

Award Number: K01TW011772

ORGANIZATION: FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/22/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2026

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