The gut microbiome engages in constant interactions with the immune system, laying fundamentals for what we perceive as health or disease. The microbiome acts locally in the gut and distally in other organs (for example, the lungs or the brain). These wideranging effects are achieved, at least in part, through microbial metabolites released into circulation. Prime examples are shortchain fatty acids (SCFAs), shown to protect against various conditions. However, SCFAs, along with a handful of other compounds, constitute only a small fraction of microbial products known for their immunomodulatory activity. This underlines an urgent need for discoveries of new metabolites, defining their mechanisms of action and testing them in different disease settings. Our research program aims to identify immunosuppressive metabolites active in the lungs and the brain, explain their mechanisms of action, and tailor them toward the formulation of therapeutics against respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases. We believe this strategy may pave the way to harnessing microbial metabolites for human health benefits.
We always encourage students, interns, and postdocs to engage with the dynamic field of microbiome research.
This professional and stimulating environment allows you to gain hands-on experience, whether as a student, intern, or while writing your Bachelor's or Master's thesis.
Our goal is to provide practical laboratory experience and broad knowledge of host-microbiome interactions.
We welcome qualified and motivated students to engage in our research projects. If you aim to develop a future career as a postdoc, you are also welcome to contact us.
To apply, please send your CV, a statement of research interests, and a brief motivation for joining our laboratory.
