Investigating the Role of the Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Mucin on Mitochondrial Function and Chemical Susceptibility in C. elegans

The intestinal tract plays an important role in altering susceptibility to environmental chemicals. Gut microbiota can directly affect chemicals through xenobiotic metabolism, or indirectly by providing metabolites that can alter host metabolism and chemical susceptibility. Further, the intestinal tract is lined with a mucus layer that supports a barrier between gut microbiota and intestinal cells. This mucus layer can be altered due to chemical exposure but has also been shown to be disrupted in diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases. My research is investigating two potential mechanisms that could impact susceptibility to environmental chemicals using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. First, I will show how different microbiota affect mitochondrial function in C. elegans through changes in metabolite levels and metabolism. Then, I will present how changes in intestinal mucin may alter chemical uptake.

This seminar will be held in person in Grainger Hall room 1112 and online via Panopto.
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Both attendance options are free and open to all.