Developing a Next-Generation Synbiotic for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Professor Seto, Wai Kay Walter   (Principal Investigator (PI))

30

2023-09-01

3284239

Developing a Next-Generation Synbiotic for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Next-Generation Synbiotic,Treatment, Metabolic Dysfunction, Fatty Liver Disease

Medicine, Dentistry and Health

ITS/046/22MS

Midstream Research Programme for Universities (MRP)

2023

On-going

Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the updated consensus-driven international nomenclature describing fatty liver disease with metabolic dysregulation. MAFLD is the world’s most common chronic liver disease, in which viable pharmacological treatment options are lacking. Preliminary data from a human microbiota-associated rodent model found a potentially causative role for one microbial species: Lactococcus lactis, and two microbial fermentation products: biotin and fumaric acid, in preventing MAFLD. Can combining different microbiome-based products as a synbiotic offer new therapeutic possibilities for MAFLD, as a supplement and/or a drug product? We currently propose the mid-stream development of a next-generation synbiotic, comprising of Lactococcus lactis strains, biotin and fumaric acid. We will sequence cultured Lactococcus lactis strains via third-generation sequencing, determine optimal biotin and fumaric acid concentrations via a mouse model, pharmaceutic development of different synbiotic formulations, and test the delivery of the formulated synbiotic in a rabbit model via in-kind support from Vickmans Laboratories. The proposal targets a large and profitable pharmaceutical worldwide market, and has high potential for patent filing. Developing this next-generation synbiotic can utilize the expansion of scientific knowledge on the gut microbiome, and provide a novel therapeutic option for the world’s most common liver and metabolic disease.