Molecular Function Intestinal Microbes

The human intestinal tract is colonized by large communities of mainly anaerobic microbes that contribute to health and disease. While we continue to discover and characterize new and relevant intestinal isolates, we focus on the molecular mechanisms that provide functional benefits in human. Specific attention is given to Akkermansia muciniphila and related species that produce pilus-located proteins and other cell envelope components that signal to the host. In a multidisciplinary approach we are studying the structure-function relation and biogenesis of these components as to provide molecular insight in the Akkermansia-host dialogue.