Naama Geva-Zatorsky, PhD, Associate Professor

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract is the most populated organ of microbial symbionts and their associated bacteriophage. Recent studies have revealed the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in shaping the immune system, however, we still know little about the mechanistic molecular interactions among microbes and between microbes and the host. We are striving to elucidate the interactions between gut microbes, the mechanisms of their beneficial contributions to the host, and the role of bacteriophage in shaping the gut ecosystem. These studies may guide the design of productive microbial-derived molecules that will benefit the host during various health and disease states, as well as outline the design principles that govern the gut ecosystem.

Molecular mechanisms of gut microbiota-host interactions
To date, only a handful of microbial-derived immunomodulatory molecules have been characterized, despite the expanding evidence of their role in shaping the host immune system. We are working with both genetic and chemical approaches to characterize gut-microbiota derived molecules that are beneficial to the host.

Spatial colonization and niche preferences of gut symbionts
Hundreds of microbial species are residing in the gastro-intestinal tract, however their localization and spatial organization are, as of yet, unknown. Deciphering the gut ecosystem architecture, the microbial spatial organization, will help us focus on their communication with the host and will reveal interaction and dependencies between microbial species. We are studying niche preferences of various species of microbes, as well as the spatial-temporal colonization, co-colonization and competition between gut microbes in vivo. To this end, we are combining several cutting-edge fluorescent labeling tools to facilitate these studies.

The role of bacteriophage in the gut ecosystem
The bacteriophage located in the gut ecosystem outnumber the bacteria cells in both quantity and diversity. Intriguingly, the role of bacteriophage in shaping the gut ecosystem is an uncharted area of study. We are studying the molecular and dynamic role of bacteriophage communication with the gut bacteria, as well as their effects on the mammalian host.