Award
NIH Reporter #5K01TW011772-05
Modulatory Effects of the Functional Gut Microbiome in Relation to Cassava Associated Motor and Neurocognitive Deficits
Recipient
CHILDREN'S RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Award Amount
$137,672.00
Ceiling
$137,672.00
Awarded
August 06, 2025
Identifier
5K01TW011772-05
Research project funded by the John E. Fogarty International Center to study the gut microbiome's role in cassava-related neurotoxicity and motor deficits, using advanced sequencing and metabolomics techniques.
Description
This project aims to elucidate the role of the gut microbiome in modulating susceptibility to cassava neurotoxicity, which causes konzo, a motor neuron disease prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. The study involves metagenomic and transcriptomic sequencing of stool samples from disease-discordant sibling pairs, along with metabolic biomarker analysis using UHPLC-MS/MS. The research will expand understanding of host-microbiome interactions and develop monitoring and prevention strategies for cassava-related neurotoxicity.