Ahmad Al-Khazaleh

Lymphoma is a major health burden worldwide and a major challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The gut microbiota is composed of a wide variety of microbes, and abnormalities in its composition are associated with the development of lymphoma. A healthy gut microbiota produces microbial metabolites (GMM) that have been implicated in preventing the development of lymphoma. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a type of GMM derived from dietary fibre fermentation, have been shown to promote regulatory T cell function, reduce inflammation, and prevent lymphoma development. Conversely, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) released during dysbiosis, a disruption of gut microbiota composition, can promote chronic inflammation and increase the risk of lymphoma.

This PhD project will investigate the role of gut microbiota and GMM in lymphoma and their potential therapeutic applications. This study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of GMM. In addition, this study will also investigate the potential synergistic effects of selected GMMs, their interactions with standard chemotherapeutic drugs and anticancer activity in vitro. Findings from this study may contribute to developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for lymphoma based on the therapeutic potential of GMM.

Supervisors:

Dr Deep Bhuyan, Professor Dennis Chang, Professor Gerald Muench