Human health depends on the relationship of the host with its microbiota. Microbial communities display coordinated behavior, and it is apparent that an understanding of human health must include knowledge of human-associated microbial communities. A step toward this goal is defining the genetics of communication within host-associated microbial communities. Using a model gut community, this work will test the hypothesis that bacterial genes that are induced when bacteria are part of a community maintain community integrity. I will use a promoter trap to identify bacterial genes in Enterobacter, a community resident, that are induced by the host gut or gut community, and use genetic, biochemical, and ecological approaches to determine how the genes contribute to the robustness of the native gut community. The cabbage white butterfly and its associated gut microbial community provides an outstanding model system for these studies, Using this system and tools developed in this proposal, we will gain insight into how the emergent properties of microbial communities determine host health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32AI065067-02
Application #
7168811
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08 (20))
Program Officer
Schmitt, Clare K
Project Start
2005-06-01
Project End
2008-05-31
Budget Start
2006-06-01
Budget End
2007-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$52,048
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Isenbarger, Thomas A; Finney, Michael; Rios-Velazquez, Carlos et al. (2008) Miniprimer PCR, a new lens for viewing the microbial world. Appl Environ Microbiol 74:840-9