Use of integrative bioinformatic analyses to decipher molecular mechanisms of action of plant-derived bioactive compounds

A plethora of bioactive compounds are present in plant-based foods and medicinal plants. Previous research has demonstrated positive health effects of many of these compounds, either as adjuvant therapy with medicinal plants or through consumption of a nutrient-dense diet designed to preserve and promote human health. Human randomized trials have demonstrated significant inter-individual variabilities in the health effects of plant-derived bioactive compounds. Several factors contributing to these differences have been identified, including sex, age, gut microbiome, comorbidities, and, importantly, genetic factors. Among these, genetic factors remain the least studied. To identify genetic polymorphisms underlying the inter-individual variabilities in the health effects of plant-derived bioactive compounds, a detailed investigation of their molecular mechanisms of action is necessary. The most effective approach involves applying multi-omics technologies and integrative bioinformatics analyses, which provide a comprehensive, holistic insight into modulation at the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome levels. This approach facilitates the identification of key molecular mechanisms of action and the targeting of crucial, potentially determinant genes, which will later be thoroughly examined in carefully designed genetic studies. Findings from previous research have identified NRF2 transcriptional activation as one of the significantly modulated pathways in response to the consumption of a plant extract rich in bioactive compounds. These results will be presented and thoroughly discussed during our training school.