The human gut is colonised by trillions of microbes collectively termed the human gut microbiota (HGM) that play a vital role in human health and disease. They contribute to human nutrition by metabolising otherwise indigestible complex glycans or carbohydrates in our diet and help to boost or strengthen our immune system. However, under certain circumstances, an imbalance of the HGM community composition (also known as dysbiosis) can occur leading to dysregulation of bodily functions and increased risk of disease and infection. Indeed, dysbiosis has been linked with important diseases including diabetes, colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases etc.
Maintaining or modulating the HGM to promote human health is therefore a major goal for nutritionists and microbiologists and requires a deep understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of HGM-host/diet interactions. Focusing on abundant and largely beneficial microbial genera in the human gut such as Bacteroides and Prevotella, this project will employ a series of bioinformatic, genetic, biochemical, and structural biology approaches to gain new insights into host/diet-derived complex glycan utilisation by the HGM. As a major source of nutrients for the HGM, complex glycans which are carbohydrates that escape digestion in the upper digestive tract are central to gut microbial survival and modulation and hence represent plausible targets in these studies. We will identify key pathways and genes involved in complex glycan utilisation by the HGM, confirm their biochemical roles, as well as explore the structural and molecular basis of their functions. We will also explore the use of key model organisms, such as C. elegans, to uncover fundamental mechanisms that can provide insights into more complex and translational systems. Data from this project are expected to pave way for the development of pre-, probiotic and antimicrobial strategies to enhance human health.
The student will gain practical experience in a wide array of cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology and glycobiology. These include gene cloning, protein expression and purification, microbial genetic manipulation, glycan/glycoprotein extraction and purification, high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and structural biology techniques. The student will also have access to professional courses at University of Dundee as well as mentoring support from both supervisors.
For further details and an informal discussion about project, prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr Didier Ndeh(dndeh001@dundee.ac.uk) or Dr Varsha Singh (vsingh001@dundee.ac.uk).
Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.