Research

Our research focuses on understanding the role of the gut microbiome in neurodevelopmental disorders. We explore how microbial communities interact with the brain through the gut-brain axis, and how dietary interventions can modulate these interactions to improve outcomes in conditions like ASD and ADHD.

Research Overview

The STAR Lab (Stimulant Treatment And Response) at the University of Calgary examines how the gut microbiome shapes neurodevelopmental health in children and adolescents with ASD and ADHD. Our work spans the gut-brain axis, microbial dysbiosis, and ketogenic dietary therapy, inking changes in gut microbial communities to meaningful differences in brain development, behavior, and treatment response.

Investigating the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain, and its impact on neurodevelopment and behavior.

Exploring how ketogenic diets and other nutritional approaches influence gut microbial composition and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Understanding the complex interactions between microbial communities, intestinal function, and brain development in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Investigating the relationship between gut microbial dysbiosis and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder populations.

What We Study?

The ketogenic diet exerts multifaceted effects on gut physiology, influencing cellular energetics, nutrient absorption, gut motility, intestinal stem cells, immune function, gut barrier integrity, the microbiome-gut-brain axis, gut microbiome composition, hormone secretion, and intestinal circadian rhythms.