University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Microbiology & ImmunologyGut Health and Microbiome Unit
Eric C Martens · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Eric C. Martens' lab at the University of Michigan focuses on how dietary factors, particularly fiber and soy protein, influence gut health and the prevention of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They utilize mouse models to investigate the interactions between the gut microbiome and the mucus barrier, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could mitigate the risk of IBD. Their research could ultimately lead to better dietary recommendations and treatments for gut-related diseases.
dietary fibersoy proteingut microbiotainflammatory bowel diseasemucosal barriermetabolitesisobutyratemucus-degradationgut healthchronic disease
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the impact of dietary fiber on gut microbiota composition and function.
AIM 02Analyze the interactions between mucus-degrading bacteria and the mucosal barrier.
AIM 03Examine the role of soy protein in promoting anti-inflammatory metabolites like isobutyrate.
AIM 04Explore the relationship between dietary deficiencies and the development of IBD.
AIM 05Assess potential dietary interventions for preventing chronic disease in humans.
Skills the Lab Values
gnotobiotic mouse modelsmicrobiome analysismolecular geneticsmetabolite profilinganimal handlingin vivo imagingcell culture techniquesimmunological assaysdata analysis with R or Pythonbiological sample processing
Output against the department
Publications209top 31% of dept.149th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations26ktop 13% of dept.63rd of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.