Integrative bioinformatics: combining clinical, physiological, brain imaging and molecular profiles

The aim of this project is to make use of a combination of different kinds of data to detect subgroups in patient cohorts, and to develop diagnostic biosignatures. Datasets include functional brain imaging with paradigms aiming to elucidate brain-gut-interactions in patients suffering from IBS and healthy controls; biopsy permeability markers; gut microbiota; cytokines, gut hormones and stress markers measured in blood and saliva; metabolomics profiles in blood and fecal samples; and proteomics as well as gene expression profiles from small and large bowel biopsies. Subjects' nutritional habits, lifestyle parameters, and psychological status are scores with validated questionnaire tools.