Gut Microbiome & Host Physiology
The gut microbiome exerts significant effects on host physiology.
Using classical microbiological and advanced spatial biology techniques, we endeavour to understand individual microbes, and the effects on the host of the unique molecules they produce.
Using this approach we continue to map the effects of the microbiome on distal sites in the host including the; brain, liver, lung, eye, kidneys, spleen and tumour sites.
Using mass spectrometry imaging in conjunction with germ-free and conventional mice, we have uncovered the spatial location of host molecules most significantly affected by the gut microbiome and those unique to the microbiome. Combining these data with imaging mass cytometry and spatial transcriptomics datasets will enable the elucidation of the effects of the microbiome on host physiology in exceptional detail.
This work is possible through a long-standing collaboration with Professor Richard Goodwin, Head of Imaging and Artifical Intelligence at AstraZeneca, whose team provide access to an unparalleled expertise in advanced imaging.
Together with Dr Richard Burchmore at Glasgow Polyomics and Professor Chris Schofield FRS at the University of Oxford, this BBSRC-funded research is bringing us closer to a greater understanding of the molecular effects of the gut microbiota on mammalian health.
