AG Böswald

The Translational and Comparative Nutrition group led by PD Dr. Linda Böswald is focused on the digestive physiology and metabolism of different species. In collaboration with international partner institutions, a broad range of methods are employed to investigate how feed processing, ingredients, and supplements influence the organism.

Translational nutrition

Laboratory animals are used as model organisms to understand physiological and pathological processes in human metabolism (translational research). In a DFG-funded project, we investigate the metabolic syndrome and dietary influence on glucose homeostasis in wild type and genetically tailored pigs. Digestibility trials and the analysis of endocrine parameters and metabolomics, among other aspects, can render insights into the pathomechanisms of the disease progression and identify potential novel biomarkers.
The important role of the gut microbiome for the whole organism has been recognized in the past years. In our research group, we investigate the influence of dietary factors on the gastrointestinal microbiome, linking the findings with nutrient digestibility.
In Alzheimer´s disease, the gut-microbiota-brain-axis is emerging as an important factor in disease development and potential point for interventions. Dietary modulation can impact disease progression as shown in our work on a mouse model.

Comparative nutrition

Each species has adapted to their natural diet in terms of gastrointestinal morphology and function. In pet and farm animal species, there is plenty of research on these aspects. However, there is less basic nutritional data available on laboratory animal species such as mice, rats and hamsters. Under animal welfare considerations (Refinement), research on nutrient digestibility and influencing factors (endogenous and diet-related) is important to generate reliable nutrient requirements and feeding recommendations for laboratory animals. Detailed knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology is also the basis for the study design of any animal experiment that may involve metabolic processes.
We conduct feeding trials in several laboratory animal species (e.g. mice, rats, hamsters, Xenopus, rabbits) and investigations on feed characteristics that impact the animals.