Biology

Dr. Palok Aich
National Institute of Science Education & Research (NISER), Bhuvaneswar

A large numbers of microorgnisms, collectively known as microbiota, colonize mammalian epithelial surfaces. Majority (>99%) of this microbial ecosystem is populated by bacteria and live as mutualists in close contact with mucosal surfaces. The largest density of bacteria is observed in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore this interface is subject of most studies. Bacteria in gut is multifunctional that include a) production of essential nutrients and co-metabolization of food, b) prevention of bacterial overgrowth and infection, c) influence on central physiological functions such as development of lymphatic tissue, the induction of mucosal tolerance, angiogenesis and fat storage.
Targeted manipulation of the gut flora is increasingly being recognized as a means to improve health. Yet, the temporal dynamics and intra- and inter-individual heterogeneity of the microbiome represent experimental limitations, especially in human cross-sectional studies. Therefore, rodent models represent an invaluable tool to study the host–microbiota interface. I will be discussing a few latest results of gut microbiome perturbation and restoration dynamics and influence on host immune response and metabolism. We use models of bacterial challenge, antibiotics and diet as means of perturbation in mouse model.