Projects

The primary goal of our research is to identify pro- and anti-encephalitogenic bacteria regulating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in MS
We are colonizing germ free mice with MS derived microbiotas to identify specific components of MS-associated microbiomes that exacerbate disease in the EAE mouse model. We are also colonizing germ free mice with defined bacteria communities derived from healthy donors to identify bacteria that protect EAE mice from disease, with the ultimate goal of developing future microbiome-based therapeutics for MS and other CNS inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

The second 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 third goal of our research is to determine if the gut microbiome can be used as a biomarker for disease progression in MS
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 young and aged EAE mice to investigate the effect of various gut derived bacteria communities on astrocytes & microglia transcriptional profile.