Project Mentor

Dr. Guangfu Li
Department of Surgery

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Description

Project Description	A high fat and high sugar diet (HFS), a typical Western-type diet (WD), is now recognized as a major risk factor for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mounting evidence indicates that the interaction between HFS and gut microbiota generates a spectrum of dietary and microbial components and outcome metabolites that can induce inappropriate hepatic immune activation, suggesting a key role of the diet/gut/liver/immune axis in NASH. However, the mechanisms underlying HFS-induced hepatic pathologic reactions are poorly understood. Furthermore, very little is known about the specific microbes and metabolites that regulate intrahepatic immunity. We propose to address these major knowledge gaps by identifying NASH-associated microbes and metabolites and dissecting the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Project Direction	In this study, we propose to identify microbial and metabolic mediators contributing to WD-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using a novel murine model of NAFLD induced by a choline-low HFS (CL-HFS) and applying metagenomic and metabolomic analyses in combination with in vitro and in vivo experiments, we have identified Blautia producta (B.producta) and its product, 2-oleoyglycerol (2-OG), as an unrecognized bacteria and metabolite contributing to CL-HFS-induced NASH. Therefore, we propose to dissect the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, advancing the development of dietary and microbial interventions that therapeutically suppress this global health threat.
Mentorship and Supervision	Dr. Guangfu Li’s lab employs a scaffolded mentoring structure. One graduate student, postdoc, or junior faculty will be assigned as your primary mentor. You will work with them directly on a daily basis. You will join our weekly laboratory meeting every Monday morning between 8 AM and 11 AM and present your performance, results, and issues which can be tracked in a lab notebook. In addition, I, as the PI of this project, will meet with you and your primary mentor bi-weekly to provide my suggestions. You are encouraged to present your studies at the UCHC Research Day or other events.
Student Qualifications	The student would have high curiosity and self-motivation as well as good communication skills with team members. Laboratory research experience in real-time PCR or cell culture is an additional asset, but not necessary.
Summer Schedule Options	Research Dates: May 22 to July 28, 2025 Schedule: We generally work close to a 9-5 schedule M-F
Project Continuation	Fall 2025, Spring 2026
Academic Year Time Commitment	9 hours/week
Possible Thesis Project	Yes

Application

Submit an online application for this research opportunity at https://quest.uconn.edu/prog/HRPSU25-17. The application deadline is Monday, February 17, 2025.

This application requires a cover letter, a resume or CV, and GPA. References should be available upon request.