Towards the characterization and engineering of bacteriophages in the gut microbiome

The gut microbiome and its importance to human health are a rapidly evolving area of study. Bacteria often take center stage. However, the composition is much more complex with other microbial members of the gut also playing key roles. Bacteriophages (phages), the viruses that infect bacteria, are an integral component of gut microbiomes and can often be found cocolonizing with their commensal bacterial hosts. Recent studies have shown associations between the composition of resident phage communities and human health and disease, but the mechanisms of these associations remain elusive. My research laboratory is focused on understanding the role of phages in the gut microbiome and exploring their possible therapeutic applications.