Microbiome in Health & Disease Translational Laboratory

The Microbiome in Health and Disease Translational Laboratory is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of clinical microbiologists, computational biologists, nutritionists, immunologists, and gastroenterologists.

Our lab is dedicated to leveraging the potential of the microbiome to revolutionize the field of colorectal cancer (CRC) research. Our mission is to develop innovative diagnostic tools and microbiome-based biotherapeutics to intercept, prevent, and treat CRC.

Our research focuses on three key areas:

Biomarker Discovery: We aim to identify and validate novel gut microbiome biomarkers for risk assessment and early CRC diagnosis using precision microbiome profiling and machine learning technology. By analyzing the gut microbiota in individuals at different stages of CRC, we aim to enhance screening methods and enable early intervention.

Host-Microbiome Interactions: We study the role of microbial metabolites in shaping host immune responses in CRC. Through metabolomic profiling and culturomics, we aim to uncover the specific microbial metabolites linked to distinct immune responses in CRC. This knowledge will deepen our understanding of the microbiome-immune system crosstalk and facilitate the development of novel biotherapeutics.

Microbiome-based therapeutics: Another important focus of our lab is the development of microbiota consortia comprising commensal immune-stimulating bacteria. By harnessing the power of these beneficial microbes, we aim to modulate the host immune system in a favourable manner, potentially mitigating the risk of CRC development or aiding in treatment strategies. This research avenue holds promise for the development of novel probiotics or microbial-based therapies that can be tailored to specific individuals or subgroups at risk.

Through an ambitious and multidisciplinary approach that combines cutting-edge techniques in genomics, metabolomics, and immunology, our lab strives to unravel the complex interplay between the microbiome and CRC. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms, we aim to translate our findings into tangible clinical applications that will have a significant impact on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.