Advanced Spatial and Species Level Imaging of the Human Microbiome

The skin is the human body's largest organ, colonised by a diverse community of microorganisms, which play an integral role in the maturation and homeostatic regulation of skin cells and host immune networks, with systemic implications to health and disease. Although advances in DNA sequencing and computational approaches have provided important insights into the taxonomic composition and functional behaviour of such microbiomes, these approaches fail to provide information about the spatial organisation of the resident microorganisms. Indeed, there is almost no understanding of where different microrganisms are located in relation to one another, in relation to anatomical sites or allied bodily secretions and micro-environmental conditions. The aim of this project is to capitalise on recent advances in the use of combinatorial labelling and advanced confocal multispectral imaging to help facilitate a step-change in our understanding of the spatial and functional organisation of microbiota in skin/axillary environments. This is an area of growing scientific and industrial importance and insights from this project will be used to inform novel promicrobial and antimicrobial therapeutic approaches for the treatment of a range of human skin disorders and conditions.
This studentship squarely fits within the World Class Underpinning Bioscience remit of BBSRC, specifically within Fundamental Bioscience. The basis for this categorisation is the development of transformational models to enhance research capability through imaging technologies. A key output of the studentship will be methodologies that will unlock future studies of microbiome research, which is seen as critical for integrating the biology of higher organisms. The insights will have broad relevance across the BBSRC remit, including the priority areas "Integrative microbiome research", "Healthy Ageing Across the Life Course"; "Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance". The studentship comprises 100% ENWW, given the reliance on recent advances in cell and surface imaging using the latest microscopic equipment and protocols which underpins the study.