Linking Maternal Atopy, Gut Microbiome Function, and Breastmilk Metabolome Profiles
Nhien Tuyet Lu
Department of Biology
Faculty Supervisor: José R. de la Torre
Atopy is a highly prevalent genetic predisposition to develop allergic diseases such as asthma, hay fever, and dermatitis, caused by a complex interplay of inherited genes and environmental factors. It is well established that breastmilk provides bioactive molecules that support infant immune development and protection against allergic diseases; however, newer evidence suggests that maternal atopy status can influence changes in breastmilk composition and, consequently, infant health outcomes. It remains to be determined what drives such changes in breastmilk metabolites in mothers with atopy. We hypothesize that maternal gut microbiome function and metabolic productivity is distinct between atopic and non-atopic mothers, driving the change in breastmilk metabolomes. To elucidate this relationship, we will perform shotgun metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics on paired maternal stool and breastmilk samples from the Childhood Allergy and the Neonatal Environment (CANOE) cohort to examine how maternal gut microbiome function relates to breastmilk composition and differs by atopy status. Preliminary data show significant differences in gut microbiome pathway abundances between atopic and non-atopic mothers. These findings can help identify key microbial features that may serve as targets for future interventions, including maternal dietary and microbiome-based strategies during lactation.