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Phage Therapy: A New Era of “Old” Concept for “Microbiome” Health

Dr. Mzia Kutateladze, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage, Georgia, will join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October will share the latest findings on the use of bacteriophages to manipulate/shape gut and skin microbiomes.

Topic: Phage Therapy: A New Era of "Old" Concept for "Microbiome" Health

About Dr. Kutateladze

Dr. Mzia Kutateladze represents the world-renown G. Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, headquartered in Tbilisi, Georgia. Currently, she is the Director of Eliava Institute, as well as the President of the Eliava Foundation, a collection of commercial spin-offs. She oversees, coordinates and manages the research directions and programs of the Institute. She is the author or co-author of more than 80 scientific papers. Her scientific background is in microbiology and molecular biology, bacteriophage research and application. Dr. Kutateladze was a manager and a leading scientist of number of scientific research projects. She is serving as a project and papers reviewer for national and international funding agencies and scientific journals.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Gut Microbiome, Obesity and Diabetes

Prof. Hiroshi Ohno, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Japan, will join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October to give a presentation on his latest research: "Gut Microbiome, Obesity and Diabetes".

Accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of diseases including obesity and diabetes. Gut microbial metabolites often is responsible for these diseases.

In his talk, Prof. Ohno,  will discuss the recently identified gut microbe-derived trans-unsaturated fatty acid elaidate is involved in obesity and diabetes. Containment of these responsible metabolites could be a promising strategy for preventive medicine.

About Prof. Ohno

Hiroshi Ohno is the team leader at RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem. His group is interested in the intestinal immune system, especially the molecular mechanisms of the function and differentiation of M cells, a subset of intestinal epithelium specialized for uptake of particulate antigens such as bacteria and viruses. We are also studying the role of host-gut microbiota interaction on the host physiology and pathology.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Gut Brain Axis & Depression: Startegic Role of Dietary Proline Exposed

The ISM is pleased to welcome Prof. José Manuel Fernández-Real, Universitat de Girona, Spain join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

Prof. Fernández-Real will present a talk on "Gut Brain Axis & Depression: Startegic Role of Dietary Proline Exposed". 

Key Points:

High proline consumption emerged as the primary dietary factor significantly impacting depression. Analysis of whole-brain dynamics unveiled disruptions in the rich club network, correlating with depression and circulating proline levels. 

Notably, proline supplementation in mice exacerbated depressive symptoms, concomitant with microbial translocation. Human microbiota transplantation in mice induced an emotionally impaired phenotype, accompanied by alterations in GABA-, proline-, and extracellular matrix-related genes in the prefrontal cortex. 

Furthermore, interventions such as RNAi-mediated knockdown of proline and GABA transporters in Drosophila, and mono-association with L. plantarum, a prolific GABA producer, demonstrated protective effects against depression-like states. 

These findings underscore the potential of microbiome modulation and dietary proline targeting as promising avenues for effective depression treatment.

About José Manuel Fernández-Real

Dr. José Manuel Fernández-Real, an endocrinologist and researcher at the Girona Biomedical Research Institute, holds degrees in Medicine and a Ph.D. from the University of Barcelona, Spain. As a member of the CIBERobn Steering Committee, focusing on Obesity Research, he has contributed significantly to the field with over 500 publications, earning an impressive H index of 97 and over 37,500 citations on Google Scholar. Leading 29 National and International Projects, holding 12 patents, and supervising 14 doctoral theses, he has played pivotal roles in various research endeavors, including coordinating the European ThinkGut project. Renowned globally, he ranks among the top 40 most cited authors in Endocrinology and within the top 1% across all scientific disciplines. Over the past 5 years, his research has primarily explored the microbiota's role in metabolic disorders and cognition, with notable findings linking microbiome signatures to conditions like fatty liver and obesity-related cognitive issues. His latest work focuses on how alterations in proline metabolism impact depression through changes in the gut microbiome.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Prospects for Leveraging the Microbiota as Medicine for Hypertension

The ISM is pleased to announce that Dr. Bina Joe, Eidtor-in-Chief of Host and Microbes, from the University of Toledo, USA, will be speaking at Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

Dr. Joe's presentation, titled "Prospects for Leveraging the Microbiota as Medicine for Hypertension," will cover:

• Current evidence for microbiota as context-dependent causal factors for hypertension.
• Proof-of-concept for engineering microbiota as medicine for hypertension.
• Microbiota-host interactions in the regulation of blood pressure

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Mythbusting Our Microbiome

Prof. Alan Walker, University of Aberdeen, United Kindgom, will join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October to give a presentation on his latest research: "Mythbusting Our Microbiome".

About Prof. Walker

Prof. Walker is a microbiologist by training with specific research interests in the bacteria that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of mammalian hosts. After receiving an undergraduate degree in Microbiology from the University of Aberdeen Prof. Walker studied for my PhD at the Rowett Institute and at the University of Dundee, specialising in gut microbiology and the role that intestinal bacteria play in the breakdown of dietary fibre. I then spent eight and a half years at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, a renowned centre for genomics research. While there he  used state of the art DNA sequencing facilities to better characterise host-associated microbial communities and shed light on the roles these microbes play both in health and in diseases such Cystic Fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and infection with Salmonella spp. and Clostridium difficile. Prof. Walker is now a Senior Research Fellow/Principal Investigator at the Rowett Institute within the University of Aberdeen. In his lab he combines anaerobic microbiology with DNA sequencing technologies in order to examine interactions between host diet and the intestinal microbiota of humans and animals, and how these factors may contribute to host health.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

From Microbiomes and (Meta)genomes to the Lab and Back - Identification, Production and Application of Bacteriocins

The ISM is pleased to announce that Dr. Christian Riedel, University of Ulm, Germany, will be speaking at Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

Dr. Riedel's presentation, titled "From Microbiomes and (Meta)genomes to the Lab and Back - Identification, Production and Application of Bacteriocins," will include:

• Discussing the diverse applications of bacteriocins, including food preservation, animal feed, microbiome modulation, and potential therapeutic alternatives for antibiotic-resistant pathogens. 
• Identifying production challenges: Currently, bacteriocins are mainly produced by natural producer organisms on complex substrates.
• Proposing solutions: Shift towards recombinant biotechnological production hosts, with focus on Corynebacterium glutamicum as an industrial workhorse organism. 
• Highlighting efforts to identify novel bacteriocins from environmental microbiomes and genomic data.
• Exploring the intricacies of recombinant production, including challenges and potential solutions.
• Providing examples of potential applications of bacteriocins across different settings.

Learn more about the topics talks and topics that will be covered during Targeting Microbiota 2024 in the Conference Program.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Deciphering the role of the Oral-Placental and Vaginal-Placental Microbiome Axes in Preterm Birth

The ISM is pleased to announce that Dr. Souhaila Al Khodor, Sidra Medicine, Qatar, will be speaking at Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

Dr. Al Khodor's presentation, titled "Deciphering the role of the Oral-Placental and Vaginal-Placental Microbiome Axes in Preterm Birth," will cover:

• Evaluating the placental microbiome in both term and preterm pregnancies.
• Distinct patterns of microbial sharing among placental, oral cavity, and vaginal samples obtained from women experiencing term or preterm births.

Join us this October in Malta not to miss out on Dr. Al Khodor's talk.

Conference Program.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Gut Microbiota in Early Life: Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Dr. Rochellys Diaz Heijtz, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, will share her latest research during Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

"Gut Microbiota in Early Life: Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes"

Gut microbiota influences brain development and behavior, notably in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Dr. Heijtz's lab research shows infants with heightened ASD risk display early gut microbiota changes before behavioral signs. Targeted microbial treatments, like Limosilactobacillus reuteri probiotics, may improve social behavior in ASD children. Recent preclinical studies highlight benefits of multispecies probiotics during pregnancy on offspring neurodevelopment

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Male Fertility and Gut Microbiota: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Prof. Cristian O'Flaherty from McGill University, Canada, will join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October to present his latest research: "Male Fertility and Gut Microbiota: Current Knowledge and Future Directions."

Human infertility is on the rise, with approximately 16% of couples being infertile worldwide. In half of these cases, the causes can be traced to men. Causes of male infertility remain hidden in about 34% of patients with normal semen analysis.

In his talk, Prof. O'Flaherty will discuss the suggested relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and male infertility. However, more research is needed to elucidate the role of gut microbiota in male reproductive health disorders. An abundance of Bacteroidetes and a reduction of Firmicutes are associated with male infertility. There is potential for therapeutic interventions or personalized treatments for male infertility based on the manipulation of gut microbiota.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

The Small Intestinal Microbiota: A Hidden Player in Human Health and Disease

The ISM is excited to announce that Dr. Pascale Vonaesch from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, will be speaking at Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

Dr. Vonaesch's presentation, titled "The Small Intestinal Microbiota: A Hidden Player in Human Health and Disease," will cover:

• The unique composition of the small intestinal (SI) microbiota compared to other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
• How various diseases can lead to different types of bacterial overgrowth in the SI.
• The link between small intestinal oral bacteria overgrowth (SIOBO) and childhood undernutrition.
• The role of oral-origin bacteria in the development of these conditions.
• The potential of targeting the SI microbiota as a strategy to treat metabolic diseases.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Bacteriophages Redesigned – Tiny Killers and Detectives to Support Infectious Disease Therapy

Dr. Martin Loessner, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, will share his latest research during Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

"Bacteriophages Redesigned – Tiny Killers and Detectives to Support Infectious Disease Therapy"

Phage therapy of the future will not be what it used to be. Existing hurdles such as limited efficacy and rapid emergence of resistance can be overcome by genetic engineering of bacteriophages. Dr. Loessner will discuss how synthetic biology enables a completely new and highly specific approach to specifically target bacterial pathogens and re-balance the microbiome.

About Dr. Loessner

Martin J. Loessner is Full Professor of Food Microbiology at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health of ETH Zurich, Switzerland, since 2003. The research work in Martin Loessner-​s group is focussed on foodborne pathogens and their specific bacteriophages. Basic molecular biology research is used to derive novel and innovative applications for the detection and control of unwanted bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and others. Recombinant proteins are designed for labeling and immobilization of bacterial cells; and genetic engineering is used as a tool for improvement of cultures towards safer food products. This work has received several awards and prizes. The group is closely collaborating with a number of research groups, and has fruitful contacts with partners from the diagnostic and food industry.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Microbial Phenotypes in Obesity: Implications for Precision Nutrition

The ISM is pleased to welcome Prof. Ellen Blaak, Maastricht University, Netherlands join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October.

Prof. Blaak will participate in the session on "Microbial Phenotypes in Obesity: Implications for Precision Nutrition", highlight the strategies to modulate microbiota in obesity. 

About Ellen Blaak

Ellen Blaak is Professor in Human Biology at the Department of Human Biology since 2007 and is Chair of the Department of Human Biology. Her research focuses on the role of disturbances in fatty acid metabolism and interorgan cross-talk (gut-adipose tissue-muscle metabolism) in the aetiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (>300 publ,) as well as the impact of nutritional or lifestyle intervention to reverse these changes.  Beside being professor at Maastricht University, she is project leader within the Top Institute Food and Nutrition, a public-private partnership of academia and international Food Industry, focussed on precompetitive research. She is member of the Nutrition committee of the Dutch Health Council and of several advisory board/grant evaluation committees.  She obtained funding from among others the Netherlands Organisation for  Scientific  research/Dutch  Diabetes  Research  Foundation/EU  as  a  PI  for more than 30 research  projects and has supervised more than 30 PhD theses.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Probiotics & Health: How to Select the Right Strain?

Prof. Andreas Schwiertz, from the Institute of Microecology and member of the ISM scientific board, Germany, will join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October to give a presentation on his latest research: "Probiotics & Health: How to Select the Right Strain?".

About Prof. Schwiertz

Dr. Andreas Schwiertz is a microbiologist and molecular biologist. He trained at the Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg (GER), the University College Cork (IRL) and Sate University of St. Petersburg (RUS). He received his PhD from the University of Potsdam (GER), where he trained under Prof. Michael Blaut in human gastrointestinal microbiology and on probiotics. In 2012 he received his lecturer qualification from the Justus Liebig University of Giessen on gastrointestinal microbiology where he is associated professor. In 2003 he joined the Institute of Microecology in Herborn, where he serves currently as CEO and CSO.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Gut Bacteria and Heart Healing: The Hidden Players in Post-Infarction Resilience

Prof. Patrick C. H. Hsieh, Academia Sinica, Tawian, will join Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October to give a presentation on his latest research: "Gut Bacteria and Heart Healing: The Hidden Players in Post-Infarction Resilience".

Key Highlights

1. Gut microbiota influence heart recovery post-heart attack.
2. Microbes affect immune cells and produce essential fatty acids.
3. Butyrate-producers linked to improved cardiac protection.
4. Evidence from human and animal studies supports this link.
5. Potential for therapeutic interventions to enhance heart healing.
6. Interdisciplinary exploration of microbial metabolites and immune dynamics.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 Speakers Line-up.

International Society of Microbiota
Targeting Microbiota 2024 Conference
October 14-15, 2024 - Malta
Press Releases | Newsletters Archive | LinkedIn 

Revolutionizing Depression Treatment: The Critical Role of Dietary Proline Exposed

A recent study has identified the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a promising area for the treatment of depression, which currently suffers from low efficacy rates. The research aimed to address current gaps in understanding, as most studies are underpowered and focus narrowly on major depression without considering the microbiome's functionality, composition, or external influences.

To tackle these challenges, the researchers utilized a multi-omics approach, integrating multiple types of biological data from pre-clinical models and three human cohorts with mild depression. The key findings revealed connections between depression and microbial metabolism affecting glutamate/GABA pathways, with a particular emphasis on the amino acid proline.

High dietary intake of proline emerged as the most significant dietary influence on depression. Furthermore, depression and high circulating proline levels were linked to disruptions in the brain's rich club network, which is responsible for integrating information from different brain regions.

In mice, proline supplementation led to worsened depressive symptoms and microbial translocation. Additionally, human microbiota transplantation in mice resulted in depressive behaviors and changes in genes related to GABA, proline, and the extracascular matrix in the prefrontal cortex.

Genetic and microbial interventions in Drosophila (fruit flies) offered further insights. Knockdown of proline and GABA transporters, along with mono-association with L. plantarum (a high GABA producer), provided protection against depressive states.

These findings suggest that targeting microbiome dynamics and dietary proline intake could lead to more effective depression treatments. The study highlights the importance of considering the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, diet, and brain function in the development and treatment of depression. Future research may build upon these findings to develop novel therapeutic strategies for depression and other mood disorders.

Stay updated on the latest advances on microbiome and depression during Targeting Microbiota 2024 this October. Submit a related abstract.

Read the full paper.

Copyright: International Society of Microbiota

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Gut-Brain Connection: Key Insights into Neurodegenerative Diseases

The human gastrointestinal tract plays host to a rich ecosystem of microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies have deepened our understanding of the pivotal role this microbial community plays in human biology. From health maintenance to disease development, the gut microbiome's influence spans across various facets of human health.

The microbiota–gut–brain axis. The bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain is mediated by the immune system, vagus nerve, enteric nervous system, neuroendocrine system, and circulatory system. Alterations in gut microbiota have been linked to the development of autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depressive-like behavior, impaired physical performance, and motivation, as well as neurodegenerative diseases. This figure was created with BioRender (https://biorender.com/). Credits: Jian Sheng Loh et al., 2024.

In a recent review published in the Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Journal, researchers delve into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, termed the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". This bidirectional communication pathway has emerged as a crucial regulator of glial functions, offering promising avenues for mitigating the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

The review meticulously explores the mechanisms underlying the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases. It elucidates how the gut microbiota communicates with key glial cells — microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes — during both healthy states and neurodegenerative conditions. Employing a metabolite-centric approach, the paper highlights the role of microbial metabolites, neurotransmitters, and gut hormones in modulating glial function and neurodegeneration.

Furthermore, the review investigates potential therapeutic targets along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, including the intestinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, meninges, and peripheral immune system. By addressing glial dysfunction at these interfaces, researchers aim to disrupt the pathological cascade associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

The paper wraps up by evaluating the preclinical and clinical evidence surrounding interventions targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the microbiota-gut-brain axis promises to catalyze the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for combating neurodegeneration, offering hope for millions affected by these debilitating conditions.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 will highlight the latest advancements in microbiota-gut-brain axis. Don't miss the chance to join the 11th ISM World Congress on October 14-15, 2024 at Corinthia Palace Malta!

Read the full paper.

Copyright: International Society of Microbiota

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Fusobacterium nucleatum: A Key to Unlocking Colorectal Cancer Insights

A recent review by researchers from California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology meticulously evaluates the influence of gut microbiota on the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), a significant global health concern. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a thorough database search was conducted, yielding 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria from 2000 to 2023.

Identifying Promising Microbiota Markers for Early Diagnosis and Treatment Enhancement

The review highlights the identification of specific microbiota markers, notably Fusobacterium nucleatum, which hold promise for early diagnosis and enhancing treatment of CRC. The synthesis of results underscores a significant correlation between gut and oral microbiota dysbiosis and CRC, suggesting that microbial markers could serve as cost-effective, noninvasive tools for early detection, monitoring recurrence, and evaluating treatment responses.

Addressing Challenges and Calling for Methodological Standardization

However, challenges such as establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, variability in study methodologies, and unaccounted variables like diet and lifestyle present limitations to the current understanding. The review calls for the standardization of microbiota research methodologies to allow for comparable findings across studies and suggests that future research should focus on large-scale multicenter longitudinal studies to validate specific biomarkers for developing universal diagnostic tools.

Exploring Novel Strategies for Prevention and Treatment

Additionally, exploring how microbiota influences CRC pathogenesis could lead to novel prevention and treatment strategies. Despite the low level of study overlap indicating a broad range of unique primary studies and reducing the risk of citation bias, the review acknowledges the need for a deeper understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between gut microbiota and CRC.

In conclusion, leveraging microbiota markers for CRC could revolutionize early detection and monitoring, but further research is necessary to overcome current challenges and fully harness the potential of microbiome-centered treatments and preventive methods.

Targeting Microbiota 2024 will highlight the latest advancements in microbiome research and different diseases. Don't miss the chance to join the 11th ISM World Congress on October 14-15, 2024 at Corinthia Palace Malta!

Read the full paper.

Copyright: International Society of Microbiota

Image Credits: Freepik

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Prof. Maria Cecilia Giron Appointed President of ISM, Pioneering Microbiota Research

The scientific Board announce the appointment of Prof. Maria Cecilia Giron as the President of the International Society of Microbiota (ISM). This appointment marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career and promises to be a turning point in the field of microbiota research.

Dr. Giron has an extensive and impressive background in the field of pharmacology and clinical studies. Her invaluable contributions are evident through her roles in various prestigious committees, including the Ethics Committee for Clinical Studies at Padova University Hospital, the Ethics Committee for Oncological Clinical Trials at the Veneto Institute of Oncology, and the Veneto Region Medicines Evaluation Committee.

A true pioneer in her field, Dr. Giron's research has been instrumental in shedding light on the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and intestinal function in both normal and pathological conditions. Her dedication to advancing our understanding of microbiota's role in human health is underscored by her impressive portfolio of over 60 peer-reviewed publications.

Under her leadership, we anticipate that ISM will continue to flourish and lead the way in microbiota research, forging new paths and fostering collaboration to uncover the profound implications of microbiota in health and disease. We congratulate Prof. Maria Cecilia Giron on this remarkable achievement and eagerly await the exciting developments she will bring to the forefront of microbiota research.

Recognizing Prof. Lena Öhman's Outstanding Scientific Contribution to Microbiota Research at Targeting Microbiota 2023

Celebrating Prof. Lena Öhman’s Outstanding Scientific Contribution to Microbiota Research at Targeting Microbiota 2023

We are delighted to celebrate the remarkable scientific contribution of Prof. Lena Öhman from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, during Targeting Microbiota 2023.
She was awarded the ISM Scientific Contribution 2023.

Prof. Öhman, with a distinguished career spanning from her PhD thesis defense in 2002 to her recent appointment as a full professor in 2020, has made significant strides in the field of microbiota research.

A Pioneering Career

Prof. Öhman’s journey in academia has been nothing short of extraordinary. After completing her doctoral studies, she embarked on a journey that took her to Danone Research and INRAE Île-de-France - Jouy-en-Josas for a research sabbatical in 2012-2013. Her diverse experiences have enriched her perspective, leading to innovative insights in her field.

Unraveling Complexities in Gastrointestinal Disorders

During her captivating presentation at Targeting Microbiota 2023, Prof. Öhman delved deep into the intricate challenges posed by gastrointestinal disorders. Her talk not only explored the nuances of monitoring and diagnosing these diseases but also illuminated the mechanisms that underlie their initiation and persistence. Of particular significance was her examination of the potential of fecal gut microbiota and metabolite signatures as promising biomarkers for gastrointestinal disorders.

Dedicated Research Group

Prof. Öhman’s commitment to advancing our knowledge of gastrointestinal diseases extends beyond the lecture hall. She leads a dynamic research group at the University of Gothenburg, tirelessly working to uncover how gut microbiota and immune activity influence the course of these disorders. Their collective mission is to identify microbiotic and immunological indicators that can guide therapy decisions and improve outcomes for patients.

Prof, Öhman shared with the International Society of Microbiota: "We aim to continue to explore the potential of intestinal microbiota and metabolome as diagnostic biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease, but also for colitis-associated colon cancer. Furthermore, we aim investigate the underlying principles of how commensal microbiota govern intestinal T cells and B cells in inflammatory bowel disease".

Innovative Approaches

In addition to discussing biomarkers, Prof. Öhman shared insights into the prospective use of in vitro cell culture models as powerful tools for studying the mechanisms of disease. Her comprehensive presentation illuminated the current state of research in this field, inspiring fellow researchers and clinicians alike.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Lena Öhman for her outstanding achievements and dedication to advancing our understanding of gastrointestinal disorders and the role of gut microbiota. Her pioneering contributions in the field are truly commendable, and we eagerly anticipate further advancements in this critical area of research.

Join Us in Celebrating Excellence

We invite you to join us in celebrating the excellence and dedication of Prof. Lena Öhman in the field of microbiota research. Her contributions have undoubtedly paved the way for a deeper understanding of gastrointestinal disorders and hold the promise of improved diagnostics and therapies in the future.

Stay tuned for more groundbreaking insights from leaders in microbiota research at Targeting Microbiota 2023.