Host-Microbiome Interactions in Health and Disease
Virtual, Event
November 19, 2024
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Join IAFNS as we learn about the latest research in this area underway at the Weizmann Institute, under the direction of Dr. Eran Elinav.
The mammalian intestine contains trillions of microbes, a community that is dominated by members of the domain Bacteria but also includes members of Archaea, Eukarya, and viruses. The mucosal immune system co-evolves with the microbiota beginning at birth, acquiring the capacity to tolerate components of the community while maintaining the capacity to respond to invading pathogens. The gut microbiota is shaped and regulated by multiple factors including our genomic composition, the local intestinal niche and multiple environmental factors including our nutritional repertoire and bio-geographical location.
Dysregulation of these genetic or environmental factors leads to aberrant host-microbiome interactions, ultimately predisposing to pathologies ranging from chronic inflammation, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and even cancer. We have identified various possible mechanisms participating in the reciprocal regulation between the host and the intestinal microbial ecosystem, and demonstrate that disruption of these factors lead to dysbiosis and susceptibility to common multi-factorial disease. Understanding the molecular basis of host-microbiome interactions may lead to development of new microbiome-targeting treatments.
After the webinar, the IAFNS Gut Health Committee will engage in-depth with the expert to consider priority research questions to address as part of the committee program. To learn more, and to join us, please email science@iafns.org.
This event is supported by IAFNS Nutrition for Gut Health Committee.