Award details

GI tract microbial community and analysis of its role in human and animal health

Reference	BBS/E/F/00042220
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Arjan Narbad
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Quadram Institute Bioscience
Department	Quadram Institute Bioscience Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	989,243
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2005
End date	01/04/2009
Duration	48 months

Abstract

The homeostasis and host communication associated with GI tract microbial communities play a central role in the maintenance of health, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. This project will use molecular approaches to advance understanding of both the complete microbial communities and selected commensal LAB islolates. This research impacts on food safety in that commensal bacteria have the potential to compete with, and exclude, pathogens. We will isolate and characterise LAB inhabitants of the GI tracts of humans and food animals and investigate their potential for pathogen control and eradication. This will include continued characterisation and exploitation of a lead strain of Lactobacillus johnsonii. In particular we will seek to understand host colonisation focussing on surface structures, including adhesins and the interaction of bacteria with host epithelial cells and the host immune system. The GI tracts of humans and animals harbour large and complex populations of micro-organisms that play a vital role in the maintenance of health. Bacteria colonise the gut from birth and there are more than 500 different known species in people, although many cannot be grown in vitro. We will develop and apply molecular methods to identify and understand the population dynamics of these complex microbial communities in both healthy and patients with GI tract disorders. The impact of stress-related hormones such as noradrenalin on the bacterial community will also be investigated.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	Animal Health, Diet and Health, Immunology, Microbial Food Safety, Microbiology
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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