Research Platform
The human intestinal tract is inhabited by 10-100 trillions of microbes comprised of thousands of different species, collectively called the microbiota. This microbial community has an immense capacity to affect host biology and is fundamental for the development of our immune system, the ability to process otherwise indigestible dietary polysaccharides, vitamin and hormone production etc.
Our overall aim is to clarify the role of bacteria associated with the human body in the development of metabolic diseases – with special emphasis on obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis. We use a translational approach which involves both human cohorts (to identify differences in microbial communities associated with the body in disease states) and germ-free animals (to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms promoted by specific bacteria).