Research

The Christian Doppler Laboratory for mycotoxin-induced metabolome changes & improved biomarkers in livestock farming (CDL-MyMetaboMarker) aims to investigate mycotoxin-induced changes in the metabolome of livestock and to discover improved biomarkers for animal production systems. Mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are widespread contaminants in animal feed that cause significant health and productivity problems in livestock. While biomarkers of exposure for DON and OTA are already established, they are limited to assessing recent exposure and do not provide insight into long-term biological disturbances or health effects. Within the CDL-MyMetaboMarker, biomarkers of effect for DON and OTA will be identified in livestock by exposing piglets to controlled concentrations of mycotoxins in feed over several weeks. Subsequently, biological samples such as blood, plasma, saliva, urine, and feces will be analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics to detect dose-, time-, and toxin-specific alterations in the profiles of endogenous metabolites. The resulting data will be evaluated by classical statistical methods as well as machine-learning approaches to identify potential biomarker candidates. These candidates will then be validated in further animal studies regarding robustness, reproducibility, and specificity. In the long term, the identified biomarkers will be used to investigate combined toxicity effects and to assess the efficacy of mycotoxin detoxifying agents. Overall, the research aims to improve the early detection of mycotoxin exposure, enable a better assessment of long-term health effects, and support the development of safe feed additives to sustainably enhance livestock health and productivity.

The Christian Doppler Laboratory for mycotoxin-induced metabolome changes & improved biomarkers in livestock farming (CDL-MyMetaboMarker) aims to investigate mycotoxin-induced changes in the metabolome of livestock and to discover improved biomarkers for animal production systems. Mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are widespread contaminants in animal feed that cause significant health and productivity problems in livestock. While biomarkers of exposure for DON and OTA are already established, they are limited to assessing recent exposure and do not provide insight into long-term biological disturbances or health effects. Within the CDL-MyMetaboMarker, biomarkers of effect for DON and OTA will be identified in livestock by exposing piglets to controlled concentrations of mycotoxins in feed over several weeks. Subsequently, biological samples such as blood, plasma, saliva, urine, and feces will be analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics to detect dose-, time-, and toxin-specific alterations in the profiles of endogenous metabolites. The resulting data will be evaluated by classical statistical methods as well as machine-learning approaches to identify potential biomarker candidates. These candidates will then be validated in further animal studies regarding robustness, reproducibility, and specificity. In the long term, the identified biomarkers will be used to investigate combined toxicity effects and to assess the efficacy of mycotoxin detoxifying agents. Overall, the research aims to improve the early detection of mycotoxin exposure, enable a better assessment of long-term health effects, and support the development of safe feed additives to sustainably enhance livestock health and productivity.

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain molds and pose a major risk to the safety of food and feed. A significant proportion of global agricultural products is contaminated, often at levels below regulatory limits. Despite comprehensive preventive measures, complete elimination of mycotoxins is not possible. Furthermore, studies show that even concentrations below EU guideline values can cause subclinical effects in livestock, such as metabolic disorders, immunosuppression, and reduced performance. These effects often go unrecognized. A key shortcoming is the lack of reliable, dose-dependent biomarkers of effect that can be used to assess early or chronic mycotoxin exposure, the combined effects of multiple toxins, and the efficacy of detoxification strategies. Metabolomics offers great potential in this regard, but requires robust bioinformatic analysis and validation strategies. The goal of this preliminary project is to establish the methodological, analytical, and regulatory foundations for a subsequent CD laboratory. Key work packages include (i) the development and establishment of bioinformatics workflows for the analysis of complex metabolomics and foodomics data, (ii) the preparation and submission of an animal trial application for controlled exposure studies in pigs, and (iii) the purification and analytical characterization of defined mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A. This preparatory work will lay the foundation for systematic animal studies, which are intended to subsequently enable the identification, validation, and application of robust biomarkers of effect.