Research
Research
The human gut microbiome, comprising trillions of microorganisms and their genetic material, plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions beyond digestion, including nutrient absorption, metabolism, immune regulation, and even brain health. While factors like age, genetics, and health status influence the diversity of the microbiome, geographical location and diet are particularly impactful. Modern diets in industrialized societies—typically low in fiber and high in refined sugars—have been shown to deplete certain bacterial species in the gut. In contrast, tribal communities, who often follow traditional diets rich in diverse, unprocessed foods, exhibit a unique and robust microbiome with microbial species that are largely absent in populations consuming Westernized diets. This difference provides an opportunity to study the microbiome of these communities as a “biocultural” marker, capturing the intersection of biology, culture, and diet in shaping human health. Anthropological insights into these communities’ diets and lifestyles offer valuable perspectives on how cultural practices influence the gut microbiome and contribute to overall health and disease resistance. By examining the gut microbiomes of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), this study aims to characterize their microbiome profiles in relation to diet and geography, offering insights into microbiome diversity and resilience. Ultimately, the research will shed light on how traditional lifestyles impact gut health, contribute to the understanding of human evolution and migration patterns, and may provide clues for clinical practices that promote health through diet and microbiome management.
Know MoreThis study is investigating the impact of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) on the gut microbiome. While PTB primarily affects the lungs, growing evidence suggests that it may also influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we are profiling and comparing the gut microbiomes of PTB patients to those of healthy controls across various geographical regions. The study aims to identify specific microbial shifts or imbalances associated with PTB and to understand how these changes may affect disease progression or treatment outcomes. By establishing patterns in gut microbial diversity, our research could reveal potential microbial markers for PTB susceptibility and recovery, offering new insights into how PTB influences systemic health beyond the lungs.
Leptospirosis is one of the fastest re-emerging widespread and leading zoonoses worldwide, caused by pathogenic and intermediate spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira. Leptospira are recently characterised for their biofilm potential; however, little is known about the role metabolism plays in this complex developmental process. Here, we performed untargeted metabolomics (LC-MS analysis) and transcriptomics analysis to understand the metabolic and transcriptomic changes associated with planktonic and biofilm formation pathogenic and intermediate Leptospira species. Analysis of in-vitro Leptospira biofilm formation by metabolomics and transcriptomics indicates the remodelling of metabolism during biofilm development through an extensive change in gene expression. The dynamic remodelling of metabolism involves bio-synthetic pathways and secondary metabolites associated with biofilm formation. Transcriptomics in the present study and our earlier protein study revealed potential immunogenic proteins shared between the other pathogenic species/serovars, which can be used as a diagnostic or vaccine candidate. Further, analyses are ongoing to understand the role of hypothetic genes and their function in the colonization of kidneys in the animal model. This study may deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involving Leptospira infection and the progression of chronic infection.
Poster