A new research model developed at the University of Virginia School of Medicine aims to help doctors and scientists understand and address childhood undernutrition, which is a leading cause of death in young children globally. Led by Carrie A. Cowardin, PhD, the research model focuses on studying the effects of undernutrition on the microbiome, the collection of microbes that live inside the gut, and its impact on growth and the immune system. By introducing microbes to young mice before they are weaned, the researchers found that they could better mimic the effects of undernutrition during early childhood, offering a more effective way to study the issue.
Using this new research model, the UVA researchers discovered that unweaned mice given microbes from undernourished children experienced stunted growth and immune system responses similar to those seen in human children. On the other hand, when the microbes were introduced to the mice later in life, the effects were less similar to what was observed in humans. This finding suggests that the new approach developed by Cowardin provides a more accurate representation of childhood undernutrition, emphasizing the importance of infancy in shaping long-term immune system health.
The researchers hope that this new model will improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying stunted growth and other harmful effects of undernutrition in developing countries, ultimately leading to the development of new approaches to prevent these effects and improve children’s health outcomes. Cowardin believes that the insights gained from studying the microbiome and its interactions with our cells will not only help address childhood undernutrition but also provide valuable insights into the treatment and prevention of other health conditions.
Cowardin’s expertise in the microbiome led to her recruitment to UVA, where she is involved in the TransUniversity Microbiome Initiative (TUMI). This initiative brings together researchers from different disciplines to explore the role of the microbiome in human health and advance our understanding of its impact on disease prevention and treatment. Cowardin’s lab is part of the UVA Health Children’s Child Health Research Center, which is dedicated to conducting innovative research to enhance the lives of children worldwide, underscoring the importance of addressing global child health challenges through cutting-edge scientific inquiry.
The new research model developed by Cowardin and her team represents a significant advancement in the study of childhood undernutrition and its effects on the microbiome. By focusing on the interaction between undernutrition, the microbiome, growth, and the immune system, the researchers aim to identify specific microbes that impact development and explore the potential of using these microbes as therapies to promote healthy growth in undernourished children. The lessons learned from this research are expected to have broader implications for understanding how the microbiome influences development and health outcomes across different populations and health conditions, offering new insights into disease prevention and treatment strategies.
Overall, the research conducted by Cowardin and her colleagues at UVA holds great promise for advancing our understanding of childhood undernutrition and its effects on the microbiome, growth, and immune system. By leveraging the innovative research model developed by Cowardin, the researchers aim to address the underlying biological mechanisms of childhood undernutrition, develop new interventions to prevent its harmful effects, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of children globally. Through collaborations with experts in microbiome research and child health, UVA is poised to make significant contributions to tackling global child health challenges and advancing scientific knowledge in this critical area of research.
