Exploring the Diversity and Genetic Traits of the Beneficial Microbiota Genus Bifidobacterium
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Graduate Office
Abstract
Within our gut we harbour a diverse collection of microbes (termed the microbiota) that are fundamental for our health. One of the dominant microbiota groups found during the first stages of life is Bifidobacterium, and presence of this genus in the gut has been linked to improved host immune defences. Due to their associated health benefits, there is significant need to explore the diversity of the bifidobacterial population at a global genetic level, determine the evolutionary scenario and also explore the influence of various genetic factors within the context of healthy host development. The goal of this PhD studentship is to study and understand bifidobacterial function through a mixture of `dry' (bioinformatics) and `wet' (lab-based) approaches using analysis of several hundred whole bifidobacterial genomes to uncover the genetic diversity of the genus, infer phylogenetic relationships and allow identification of potential health promoting genetic traits.
Organisations
Publications
Kujawska M
(2022)
Bifidobacterium castoris strains isolated from wild mice show evidence of frequent host switching and diverse carbohydrate metabolism potential.
in ISME communications
Lawson MAE
(2020)
Breast milk-derived human milk oligosaccharides promote Bifidobacterium interactions within a single ecosystem.
in The ISME journal
Alcon-Giner C
(2020)
Microbiota Supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Modifies the Preterm Infant Gut Microbiota and Metabolome: An Observational Study.
in Cell reports. Medicine
Leggett RM
(2020)
Rapid MinION profiling of preterm microbiota and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
in Nature microbiology
Kujawska M
(2021)
The Human Microbiome in Early Life
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1786430 | Studentship | BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/10/2020 | Magdalena Kujawska |
| Description | Microbiology Society Annual Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I presented a poster at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2018, which led to interesting discussion with scientists with similar research interests, and helped to expand my professional network. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Norwich Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The Hall Lab debuted the 'Me and my microbiome' giant gut game prototype to demonstrate how the microbes in our digestive system help to keep us healthy at the Norwich Science Festival in 2017. This event is attended by thousands people every year, including members of the general public, scientists associated wit the Norwich Research Park and media. In 2018 we replaced the prototype with a walk-in interactive installation designed with the same purpose - to raise awareness about beneficial properties of members of our microbiota among the general public. https://halllab.co.uk/public-engagement/guardians-of-the-gut/ https://quadram.ac.uk/guardians-of-the-gut-creation/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |
| Description | Participation in a public engagement event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Public engagement event for general public at the Latitude festival (3 days), where we presented our walk-in gut installation and informed general public on gut microbiome. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The Hall Lab debuted the 'Me and my microbiome' giant gut game prototype to demonstrate how the microbes in our digestive system help to keep us healthy at the Norwich Science Festival in 2017. This event is attended by thousands people every year, including members of the general public, scientists associated wit the Norwich Research Park and media. In 2018 we replaced the prototype with a walk-in interactive installation designed with the same purpose - to raise awareness about beneficial properties of members of our microbiota among the general public. https://halllab.co.uk/public-engagement/guardians-of-the-gut/ https://quadram.ac.uk/guardians-of-the-gut-creation/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Talk at the annual Norwegian Society for Microbiology meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I gave a talk about one of the projects I have been working on as part of my PhD. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Workshop for children and parents on gut microbiome |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Workshop at the intersection of art and biology organised at a local library for children and parents. The event sparked children's interest in STEM subjects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |