DISCOVERY OF BIOLOGICAL SIGNATURES FOR CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLE INTAKE: INTEGRATION OF THE BROCCOLI- AND HOST-DERIVED METABOLOME AND THE MICROBIOME

Our goals are:Identify signatures of broccoli intake that quantify and discriminate between broccoli-derived vs "metabolic impacts" on host metabolome present in urine and plasma, in a controlled feeding trial. We will utilize deuterium-labeled and unlabeled broccoli sprouts to directly identify plant-specific metabolomic signatures (Brexposome) versus host metabolome in a controlled human trial that combines consumption of deuterium-labeled and unlabeled sprouts with analyses by mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics.Identify microbial-mediated metabolites and associated microbiota following broccoli consumption. We will identify gut microbiota-derived metabolites of broccoli consumption using a human fecal incubation system. Second, in the controlled feeding trial, we will examine the microbiome pre- and post- broccoli consumption and evaluate microbial metabolites. By integrating multi-omics data, specifically 16S rRNA gene sequences and metabolomic measurements, we will predict which gut microbial taxa are responsible for which biotransformations of broccoli compounds and broccoli metabolites.Develop a model for predicting broccoli intake and the effects of Brexposome metabolites on human host metabolism by using machine learning methods integrating the Brexposome, the gut microbiome and the host metabolome. Our working hypothesis is that specific metabolomic signatures associate with the gut microbiome and the host metabolome. To test this hypothesis, we will use machine learning to estimate broccoli sprout consumption and also correlate the signature-based estimates with data obtained from dietary questionnaires. The development of a conceptual model for defining the impact food-derived phytochemicals have on the host metabolome has the potential to dramatically alter the field of nutrition and be broadly applied to the assessment of many other dietary exposures and their host effects.