Projects per year
Personal profile
Biography
Professional Qualifications
- Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR), University Bordeaux 2, France
- PhD in Chemical and Biological Sciences for Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Montpellier 1, France
- MSc in Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Bordeaux 2, France
- BSc in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry/Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Bordeaux 2, France
Career
Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow, University of East Anglia, UK (2011-2023); Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Reading, UK (2008-2011) (BBSRC Fellowship); Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Reading, UK (2005-2008) (MRC Fellowship)
Key Research Interests
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Phytochemicals
- Neuroinflammation
- Memory, learning and neuro-cognitive performances
- Molecular mechanisms
- Association between the APOE4 genotype and chronic disease risk
- Microbiota Gut-Brain axis
My research is primarily focused on cellular and molecular biochemistry, neuropharmacology, and nutrition, with a particular emphasis on the diet–gut microbiome–brain axis. This is supported by a substantial body of high-quality research output. My main scientific interests converge on three interrelated domains within the biomedical sciences: (1) elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which gut-derived metabolites influence both normal and pathological ageing, including Alzheimer’s disease; (2) developing nutritional strategies to delay cognitive decline by modulating the gut–brain axis; and (3) investigating the etiological underpinnings of APOE genotype–disease associations and how this common genotype modulates responses to dietary interventions via alterations in the gut microbiome–brain axis.
Using a variety of experimental models, including rodent models of age-related cognitive decline and human dietary intervention studies, my work has advanced our understanding of how age-associated microbiota shifts affect central nervous system function. These findings underscore the critical role of the gut–brain axis in ageing and provide a compelling rationale for interventions aimed at restoring microbiota to enhance cognitive function and quality of life in the elderly. Additionally, my group explores dietary strategies—including the use of phytochemicals and specific dietary patterns—to support memory, improve neurocognitive performance, and slow Alzheimer’s disease progression. This research is highly translational and aligns with emerging paradigms in personalised approaches to disease prevention and therapeutic development.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Menopausal transition and APOE4 mediated Alzheimer’s vulnerability
1/06/25 → 31/05/27
Project: Research
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Investigating the acute benefits of American Ginseng on mood and cognition in healthy young adults
1/11/24 → 31/10/26
Project: Research
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APOE4 genotype shapes the role of dietary fibers in cognitive health through gut microbiota changes
Liaquat, M., Le Gall, G., Scholey, A., Pontifex, M. G., Bastiaanssen, T. F. S., Muller, M., Minihane, A. M. & Vauzour, D., 2 Jul 2025, In: Gut Microbes. 17, 1, 2526133.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Normalizing body weight with a dietary strategy mitigates obesity-accelerated pancreatic carcinogenesis in mice
Wirkus, J., Ead, A. S., Krga, I., Wang, Y., Pontifex, M. G., Muller, M., Vauzour, D., Matsukuma, K. E., Zhang, G. & Mackenzie, G. G., 27 May 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: The Journal of Nutrition.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Oral microbiome and nitric oxide biomarkers in older people with mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 genotype
L'Heurreux, J. E., Corbett, A., Ballard, C., Vauzour, D., Creese, B., Winyard, P. G., Jones, A. M. & Vanhatalo, A., Jan 2025, In: PNAS Nexus. 4, 1, pgae543.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile6 Downloads (Pure) -
The effects of inorganic nitrate and inulin co-ingestion on circulating metabolites and blood pressure in young adults: A pilot double-blind randomised crossover trial
Virgili, J., Le Gall, G., Vanhatalo, A., Bond, B., Vauzour, D. & Torquati, L., 26 Jun 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Gut Microbiome.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile11 Downloads (Pure) -
The gut microbiota in menopause: Is there a role for prebiotic and probiotic solutions?
Liaquat, M., Minihane, A. M., Vauzour, D. & Pontifex, M. G., Jun 2025, In: Post Reproductive Health. 31, 2, p. 105-114 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile6 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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Consultancy for Holland & Barrett
David Vauzour (Consultant)
2 Apr 2025 → 12 May 2025Activity: Consultancy
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Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) (External organisation)
David Vauzour (Member)
4 Dec 2024Activity: Membership › Peer review panel
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Alzheimer's Society (External organisation)
David Vauzour (Member)
23 Sept 2024 → 10 Oct 2024Activity: Membership › Peer review panel
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Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust (External organisation)
David Vauzour (Member)
18 Sept 2024 → 31 Aug 2026Activity: Membership › Committee
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Food & Function (Journal)
David Vauzour (Associate Editor)
1 Jun 2024Activity: Editorial work › Publication editorial role