Project Leader: Dr. Hab. Katarzyna Stadnicka, Prof. UMK
The BIOMETHERA project aims to investigate the immunomodulatory effect and synergistic therapeutic action of native phytobiotics and bioactive microbial compounds. Increasing scientific evidence suggests that certain microbial factors may influence tumor development; however, the precise mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored.
The rationale for this research stems from the limited effectiveness of cancer therapies (particularly colorectal and breast cancer) and their toxicity toward healthy tissues. The project also addresses gut dysbiosis as a factor promoting tumor development.
The research objective is the identification and functional characterization of bioactive compounds with proven clinical potential, derived from native natural environments, including underutilized crop plants with untapped immunomodulatory and prebiotic potential, compounds from ecosystems not previously characterized in preclinical studies, and microbial products. The project will expand a research platform for testing new bioactive formulations in advanced immuno-oncological in ovo tumor xenograft models and co-cultures in cell lines. Preclinical validation will be based on analyses of transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic effects in cancer cells, as well as metabolic and metagenomic assessments using a human gut dysbiosis simulator under chemotherapy. The research outcomes will provide new insights into host–microbiome–tumor interactions and potentially support the development of new interventions based on synbiotic bioactive compounds enhancing anti-cancer responses.
The project is interdisciplinary. It integrates in ovo technology and in vitro oncological models with nutriepigenetics, linking agricultural and clinical applications. The research goes beyond identifying anticancer activity and aims to determine the nature of the active ingredient. The project will contribute to increased safety in the availability of new immunomodulatory substances through the recognition of native biological resources, the development of innovative biotechnological solutions, and the creation of economic opportunities for local agriculture in their production and use, while simultaneously promoting biodiversity.