The Vesiculome project aims to characterize origin and function of bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) produced by the human gut microbiota. BEVs are nanosized particles that carry diverse molecular cargos, influencing bacterial communication, immune response, and gut health.
Approach
We isolate BEVs from bacterial monocultures and stool samples of individuals across diverse lifestyles worldwide and from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We utilize an orthogonal biophysical purification approach for BEV isolation and characterize them using tools such as nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and meta-proteomics.
Analysis & Validation
Our goal is to understand how industrialized lifestyles and diseases such as IBD shape the production and function of BEVs, as well as their interactions with the host and the overall bacterial community. We further hope to contribute to the understanding of how vesiculation and vesicle traits evolved across different bacterial species on the phylogenetic tree.
Researchers:
Andre Geisler
Ana Schaan
Lucas Silva
Host-microbiome systems in health & disease 