Team 7

The team's expertise revolves around highlighting the health benefits of biomolecules, particularly peptides, in a context of protein resource scarcity, circular economy and “One Health” concept. Researchers are dedicated to unraveling the fate of biomolecules within the gastrointestinal tract and their interactions with the gut barrier to modulate physiological processes such as food intake, carbohydrate metabolism and inflammation. In this purpose, an essential part of our research has been devoted to establishing and developing in vitro methods for studying the bioactivities of biomolecules (such as peptides, fibres, polyphenols…). 

This includes the creation of innovative cell coculture models that simulate the intestinal barrier Additionally, the team researchers explore their impact on pathophysiological processes associated with metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and inflammatory bowel diseases. In this context, the team is particularly interested in 'intestinal sensing', a process involving, in particular, enteroendocrine cells capable of detecting the presence of different nutrients in the intestinal lumen using numerous transmembrane receptors. 

Based on the Gembloux researchers expertises, the team follows the fate of these biomolecules until the colonic part of the intestine and study the impact on the microbiota. Another key strength of the team is its expertise in identifying peptide sequences using innovative mass spectrometry and bioinformatics tools, enabling the monitoring of the intestinal peptidome and understanding of the structure-function link mechanisms. 

Team 7's research is deeply intertwined with the regional socio-economic environment, as evidenced by numerous theses and research contracts with regional agro-food industries such as Roquette and Copalis, as well as national and international companies like Diana PetFood, Rousselot S.A. (Belgium division), and Symrise. Moreover, common themes are developed with Laval University (Québec, Canada) as part of the Laboratoire International Associé in the bioproduction of Natural Antimicrobials (LIAAN), and the ProteinoPepS industrial chair (INRAe) with Ingredia Prospérité Fermière. Team members are also active participants the Laboratoire International Associé on Food Science and Applied Biology  bringing together the University of Lille and the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV, Brazil) SAMBA.