Örebro University has been awarded SEK 12 million from the Knowledge Foundation (KK-stiftelsen) within the framework of the Synergi24 call to support research exploring the link between diet, the microbiome, and chronic diseases.
The interdisciplinary project, “The Role of the Dietary Metabolite TMAO in Chronic Diseases,” aims to investigate how the diet-related metabolite TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) contributes to the onset and progression of three major chronic conditions:
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Cardiovascular disease
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Chronic kidney disease
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Periodontitis
TMAO is a molecule produced during the breakdown of dietary components, particularly from animal-based products such as red meat. Previous studies suggest that elevated TMAO levels are associated with the development of atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease.
“We see that TMAO plays a central role in inflammatory processes shared across several chronic diseases. In this project, we aim to map the underlying mechanisms of TMAO’s effects and identify new opportunities for prevention and treatment,” says Isak Demirel, project leader and Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at Örebro University.
“This project reflects our commitment to translational research with real societal impact and strengthens Örebro University’s position at the forefront of research on diet, microbiota, and chronic diseases,” says Ashok Kumar Kumawat, co-project leader and Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at Örebro University.
The project has been developed in close collaboration with industry partners and academic researchers, ensuring both high scientific quality and strong relevance to industry.
A Strong International Consortium
Running from 2025 to 2030, the project brings together a distinguished consortium including:
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Clinical experts from Region Örebro län, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset
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Industrial partners including Bio-Rad Laboratories, QIAGEN, Redoxis AB, and Probi AB
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International collaborators from University of Lincoln, University of Glasgow, and Temple University
The project is co-financed by industry partners with an additional SEK 12 million and is anchored at the Centre for Food and Health at Örebro University.
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