Researchers at the University of Chicago are delving into the complex world of the gut microbiome, aiming to unlock its potential for treating diseases. Assistant Professor Sam Light and his team focus on studying microbes in an oxygen-free environment, which is essential for understanding how these organisms function in our large intestines.
"The human gut microbiome comprises hundreds of species of different microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that colonize our gastrointestinal tract," explained Light. These microbes play a crucial role in digestion and health by breaking down dietary fibers and producing metabolites that can enter the bloodstream and affect health.
Ph.D. student Joyce Ghali highlighted the importance of understanding the microbiome's functions: "Over the past couple of decades, the microbiome has been implicated in so many different diseases." By comprehending its workings, researchers hope to guide future treatments.
Light emphasized that while research is still in its early stages, it is clear that differences exist between healthy and diseased groups' microbiomes. "The questions that we're tackling are really trying to understand what role the microbes play," he said.
The lab investigates specific diseases linked to microbiome dysfunctions such as Type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disorders. They have discovered certain microbes modify hormones like testosterone and cortisol, potentially creating pro-inflammatory environments.
Ghali's project focuses on resource competition among bacteria within the gut. She aims to manipulate microbial composition by leveraging these interactions: "My ultimate goal is to leverage resource competition to manipulate the composition of the microbiome."
To study these anaerobic microorganisms, Light's lab creates oxygen-free environments using specialized chambers. They also conduct experiments involving mice and fecal samples to analyze microbial presence and metabolite concentrations.
Looking ahead, Light sees potential applications for their research in patient care. His lab collaborates with Dr. Eric Pamer at the Duchossois Family Institute on clinical trials administering gut microbes post-antibiotic treatment: "Hopefully this will be a proof-of-principle."
Ghali's work aims to develop tools for improving microbiome therapeutics through prebiotics or next-generation probiotics: "Our goal is to increase the abundance of specific bacteria known to make compounds beneficial to human health."