Projects

The primary goal of our research is to identify gut derived bacteria that regulate immune function of astrocytes and microglia.

Disease progression in MS is in part secondary to pathogenic immune activation of the CNS resident immune cells, namely astrocytes and microglia. Studies have shown that the gut microbiota regulate the development and function of astrocytes and microglia. Yet, we do not know which members of the gut microbiota regulate CNS resident immune cells function. We are using EAE mice to investigate the effect of various gut derived bacteria communities on astrocytes & microglia transcriptional profile.

 The second goal of our research is to elucidate mechanisms by which the gut microbiota regulates gut intestinal permeability in EAE/MS.

Several studies have reported increased gut intestinal permeability in EAE mice. One study also reported increased gut intestinal permeability in MS patients. However, the mechanisms accounting for this increased gut intestinal permeability in EAE/MS remain unknown. We are using EAE mice to identify gut derived bacteria communities that modulate gut intestinal permeability and to elucidate their mechanisms of action.

 The third goal of our research is to elucidate mechanisms by which the gut microbiota regulates brain barrier permeability in EAE/MS.

Prior studies have shown that the gut microbiota regulates blood brain barrier permeability. However, the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota regulates the brain barrier remain unknown. We are investigating the role of specific communities of gut derived bacteria on brain barrier permeability during neuroinflammation and their mechanisms of action in the context of EAE/MS.

 The fourth goal of our research is to determine if the gut microbiota can be used as a biomarker for MS.

We are currently building a longitudinal stool and blood samples bank from all types of MS patients as well as from healthy controls. These samples will be used for a comprehensive evaluation of the gut microbiome in MS.