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Project

Dysbiosis of the human gut ecosystem: characterization and remediation

In recent years, the importance of the microbiota in the

gastrointestinal tract with regards to host health and wellbeing has

been established. Microbiologists have categorized different

microbial community constellations across individuals called

enterotypes. The Bacteroides2 (B2) enterotype has been very

recently associated with low bacterial load, inflammatory disease,

and poor health parameters. In this project, we will determine which

life-style habits and aspects of health status are associated to the

presence and temporal stability of this enterotype. Next, we will study

the functional potential of the community in greater depth, determine

both the existence of B2 subtypes, and explore whether specific B2

subtypes are linked with specific dysbiosis-associated diseases. We

will also test to see if statins, a drug with anti-inflammatory effects,

can modulate the microbiota from B2 to a healthier constellation in

patients suffering from a B2-prevalent disease, ulcerative colitis.

Successful completion of this project can lead to the discovery of

new biomarkers and development of novel intervention strategies for

emerging diseases through the gut microbiota.

Date:1 Sep 2018 →  31 Oct 2023
Keywords:human gut ecosystem
Disciplines:Microbiology, Systems biology, Laboratory medicine, Immunology, Biomaterials engineering, Biological system engineering, Biomechanical engineering, Other (bio)medical engineering, Environmental engineering and biotechnology, Industrial biotechnology, Other biotechnology, bio-engineering and biosystem engineering
Project type:PhD project