Traditional diets and the microbiome, metabolome and inflammation in clinical depression

There is accumulating evidence that diet can play a key role in improving depressive symptoms. The most compelling evidence so far is for traditional diet patterns that are high in plant foods and low in processed foods. There are several plausible theoretical mechanisms through which diet improves mood from preclinical research including shifts in the gut microbiome, altered metabolite production, reduced systemic inflammation, and improved intestinal barrier integrity, there is limited mechanistic evidence from human studies. Our team are conducting the first ever feeding trial in people with major depressive disorder to compare two different dietary patterns and assess their effect on depressive symptoms. This project will be based within the Departments of Medicine and Immunology and may involve a ‘study away’ component. This is an outstanding opportunity to engage with and build networks with global leaders in gut-brain axis research. This project will involve: • Writing a cutting-edge review of the potential gut microbiome-brain axis mechanisms through which traditional diets influence mood • Collaborating with our dietary feeding trial team through analysis of human biological samples to enhance understanding of mechanisms through which diet influences mood. This will include immune profiling and gut permeability analysis • Faecal microbial transplantation studies in animals to identify mechanistic links between diet-induced microbiome changes, immune modulation, and mood. Essential criteria: Minimum entry requirements can be found here: https://www.monash.edu/admissions/entry-requirements/minimum. Candidates preferably with a nutrition background AND with laboratory experience are encouraged to apply.