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Phages for target specific gut microbiota manipulation (PhageGut)
Project
Project code: MRI-MBT-08-KI-201-1040 PhageGUT
Contract period: 01.09.2016
- 31.05.2020
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Several human diseases are interrelated to imbalances or changes in the gut microbiota (GM) composition. Such imbalances, which often manifest early in life, have for instance been found to precede later obesity, making early intervention through GM manipulation attractive. Consequently, there is strong scientific and commercial interest in developing target-specific GM manipulation tools. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses attacking bacteria in a host strain specific manner and there is growing understanding that they play key roles in shaping GM composition. In PhageGut we hypothesise that virulent phages can actively be used to shape GM composition. Using mice as a model, our aim is to establish a concept for phage-based GM manipulation, preventing development of obesity through early life GM manipulation, and demonstrate phage-aided introduction into the GM of health-promoting bacteria.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
- Biotechnology
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
MRI - Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology (MRI-MBT)