📋 Tender Overview
Synergize: Understanding Spore-Forming Gut Bacteria Biology To Target Pathogens
Funded Under
European Research Council (Erc)
Total Cost
€ 1 499 503,00
Eu Contribution
€ 1 499 503,00
Coordinated By
University College Cork - National University Of Ireland, Cork
Ireland
Objective
Our intestinal microbiota consists of a dense community of microorganisms, highly adapted to the human gastrointestinal tract. Shared species between individuals indicates the presence of evolved and efficient transmission routes that ensure colonisation of beneficial bacterial species. Research has traditionally focussed on blocking enteric pathogen transmission routes as a means to prevent disease. However, a greater focus on understanding the transmission routes of commensal gut bacteria is required to promote health. Spores are resilient structures that maintain bacterial integrity in a dormant state for extended periods. My previous work has shown that spore-formation is a prevalent phenotype in the intestinal microbiota that promotes transmission of anaerobic gut bacteria, by maintaining viability in adverse aerobic environmental conditions until ingested by a new host. However, despite its importance, sporulation processes in commensal gut bacteria remain poorly understood.
