microbiome

Host-microbe interactions in the gut

Aug. 13, 2019—Vanderbilt investigators demonstrated that intestinal cells promote beneficial microbe behavior — the findings support developing microbiota-based therapies for intestinal health.

Schematic image of viruses, billions of which are estimated to enter the cells in your intestine every day. Recent experiments at Vanderbilt University indicate that genes in viruses of bacteria (Wolbachia) can transfer to or from animals, and some virus genes hijack insect sperm to cause an infertility at the forefront of mosquito control efforts.

Microbiome links diet to health

Jun. 20, 2019—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that the gut microbiome composition modulates how dietary nutrients are metabolized, with potential downstream consequences on metabolic health.

Close up of smiling African-American woman's mouth

Mouth health and colorectal cancer

Jun. 6, 2019—Microbial species in the mouth could be playing a role in colorectal cancer development, according to new research from epidemiologists at VUMC.

Biologist duo brings Wolbachia curriculum to students, citizen scientists around globe

Jan. 22, 2019—A curriculum directed by biologists Seth and Sarah Bordenstein is responsible for helping countless thousands of college students, schoolkids and citizen scientists worldwide contribute to research on microbes using cutting-edge technology.

illustration of microbiome inside the gut

Ethnicity proves reliable indicator of what microbes thrive in the gut

Dec. 4, 2018—Changing the gut microbiome to beat illness really does hold great potential, but first scientists must answer what constitutes a healthy gut microbiome and in whom.

Six projects garner Microbiome Venture Fund awards

Aug. 14, 2018—Six faculty-led teams have received 2018 Microbiome Venture Fund awards to pursue projects related to the broad category of microbiomes—the totality of microbes in or on an environment.

A Nasonia wasp walks along her fly host to lay eggs. (Jitte Groothuis)

Insect gene allows reproductive organs to cope with harmful bacteria

May. 17, 2018—Bordenstein’s team studied Nasonia parasitic wasps, which are about the size of a sesame seed, and they serve as one of the best models to dissect and characterize the evolution of insect genomes.

Unraveling genetic mystery next step in Zika and dengue fight

Apr. 23, 2018—How a bacteria hijacked insect fertility remained a mystery for five decades, until Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Seth Bordenstein and his team helped solve it.

Bile acids, microbiota and colon cancer

Jul. 5, 2017—Bile acids produced by a western diet alter the composition of the gut microbiota and promote intestinal carcinogenesis.

middle aged african american man outdoors

Role for mouth microbes in diabetes?

Mar. 8, 2017—A higher abundance of certain bacterial species in the mouth appears to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered.

Each animal species hosts a unique microbial community and benefits from it

Nov. 28, 2016—A laboratory study of four animal species and their microbiota finds that each species hosts a unique community of microbes that can significantly improve its health and fitness.

zinc pill on spoon over white background

Study shows excess dietary zinc worsens C. diff infection

Sep. 26, 2016—Too much dietary zinc increases susceptibility to infection by Clostridium difficile — “C. diff” — the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections.