SynBio | Microbiome | Imaging

 Exploring the mammalian gut and the trillions of microbes that live inside it

The microbes that live in our guts, together known as the gut microbiota, are essential for maintaining our health. Changes to the make-up and function of this microbiota have been associated with a wide range of important diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, diabetes and neurodevelopmental disorders. 

Because of the intimate relationship they have with their surroundings, our microbes offer an exciting opportunity to better understand the gut and to diagnose, monitor and treat disease in the clinic.

The Riglar lab uses a combination of synthetic biology, imaging and sequencing based approaches to better understand the function of the gut and its microbiota during health and disease. We use this knowledge to develop innovative technologies, such as living engineered probiotics, to probe and control the gut environment.