High cost training in recognised areas of strategic need-Maria Paula Cifuentes

The main objective of my PhD is to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and potential treatment strategies for neonates with necrotising enterocolitis, a life-threatening inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting preterm babies. To achieve this, I have applied a multi-omics approach, encompassing metagenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), key by-products of microbial metabolism, are of particular interest as they are produced by bacteria specially adapted to use human milk components. Multiple studies highlight the potential role of SCFAs as biomarkers or postbiotics in health, reflecting the activity of health-associated microbes that produce them.

As part of my DiMeN scheme training, I published a review titled “Gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids: Promising strategies in necrotising enterocolitis” and presented aspects of my research at several scientific events, including BSPGHAN, the N3 webinar, the Neonatal Society, and NEPG. My work has been conducted under the supervision of world experts in neonatal health and the microbiota, including Professors Christopher Stewart and Janet Berrington. During my second year, I sought to expand my laboratory expertise, particularly in SCFA analysis, which is not available at Newcastle University. Over 12 days of intensive training with Professor Konstantinos Gerasimidis group at Glasgow University, I learned to optimise and process samples for SCFA analysis. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to connect with inspiring, kind, and brilliant colleagues, strengthening collaboration between the Universities of Glasgow and Newcastle to advance and accelerate our research.

I am deeply grateful to DiMeN and Professor Gerasimidis for this opportunity. This experience not only improved my project but also brought valuable expertise back to Newcastle, enabling further research into this complex condition and supporting integration across multi-omics datasets.