Department of Microbiology & Immunology Seminar: “Tools and Pathways to Understanding the Human Microbiome”

Title: “Tools and Pathways to Understanding the Human Microbiome”

Speaker:
Colm S. O’Huigin, PhD
Senior Scientist, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research
Head, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology Microbiome and Genetics Core
National Cancer Institute

Location: Med-Dent NE301 and via Zoom

Abstract:
Despite its ongoing prominence, microbiome science is in its early stages. Roles of the microbiota continue to be uncovered in disparate health fields and discovery drives the literature. Association studies are numerous and causative pathways remain less well defined. Limitations are placed on the power of microbiome studies to elucidate causal relationships by the broad range of factors including the diversity of environmental effects and host genetics. I will describe the experimental tools we utilize to characterize microbiota, paying attention to current limitations. I also will explore some of the bioinformatic pathways we leverage to untangle the numerous means by which the microbiome can influence human health.