Translational Microbiome Research Platform

The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in the course of infections. As part of this research platform, Prof. Bärbel Stecher and her team are examining what exactly happens when gram-negative pathogens and opportunists colonise the intestine. An important project is targeting enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) bacteria, which can trigger haemorrhagic-uraemic syndrome in humans through Shiga toxins. This gastrointestinal disorder can lead to kidney failure and is especially dangerous for children. The researchers are trying to find biomarkers in the microbiome that facilitate a risk assessment in infected patients. They combine in vitro assays and preclinical mouse models to look for substances in the microbiome that can inhibit the toxin.