The influence of interkingdom communication on host health
Supervisors:
Prof Donal Wall, School of Infection & Immunity
Dr Adam Dobson, School of Molecular Biosciences
Prof Richard Goodwin, School of Infection & Immunity
Summary:
The microbiome is cited as an influence in many health conditions yet mechanistic evidence underlying these claims is scarce. With this in mind here we will take novel molecules we have identified that are either from, or heavily influenced by, the gut microbiota in vivo and study them in detail using established in vitro cell-based and Drosophila model systems. These models allow us leverage molecular spatial localization/organ specific data to target relevant cell types in our assays as well as understanding their roles in influencing physiology systemically using a more complex Drosophila system. Our microbiological and molecular biology approaches will be complemented by spatial biology approaches such as spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics, enabling us to track molecules in vivo and determine the host response to their presence at the metabolic and gene expression level. This project will provide a wide range of training opportunities in a variety of disciplines in both academic and industry settings.