Weill Cornell Medicine investigators have developed a set of molecular tools to regulate the activity of specific genes in one of the most common classes of intestinal bacteria. The ability to genetically manipulate these microbes could lead to a better understanding of the role they play in human physiology and diseases.
In healthy individuals, species of Clostridia comprise half of the bacteria found in the gut. Many produce metabolites that are likely beneficial for human health and immune regulation. However, some are associated with disease—from botulism and inflammatory intestinal conditions to metabolic disorders such as diabetes or even cancer.
Dr. Chun-Jun Guo
Exactly how Clostridia contribute to disease onset or progression is not well understood. For example, do the bacteria produce a specific toxin or disease-affecting metabolite? Or could changes in their abundance alter other gut bacteria and influence health or disease?
