MICROINVADER · Molecular mechanisms of bacterial invasion and colonization in the human gut microbiota

The human gut microbiota plays a critical role in safeguarding human health by defending against pathogens and supporting essential metabolic and immune functions. Nevertheless, our understanding of how the gut microbiota influences bacterial invasion and evolution within the human body is incomplete due to the complexity of these interactions. Furthermore, the specific mechanisms through which commensal bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, successfully invade and evolve in distinct human gut microbiota compositions remain unclear. The MICROINVADER project aims to address this knowledge gap, utilizing an established in vitro gut simulator to investigate the precise mechanisms underlying the successful invasion of distinct human gut microbiota ecosystems by the commensal bacterium E. coli. Furthermore, MICROINVADER aims to characterize at the molecular level the processes that shape the evolution of invading strains in response to specific human gut microbiota compositions. Subsequently, MICROINVADER will validate these findings through in vitro and in vivo experiments, focusing on quantifying the selection strength acting on the genetic mechanisms that are crucial for bacterial invasion and colonization in different human gut environments.By unveiling these novel mechanisms driving bacterial invasion and colonization within diverse human gut microbiotas, MICROINVADER seeks to provide critical insights that may have far-reaching implications for enhancing human health. Ultimately, MICROINVADER aims to contribute to our understanding of how to manipulate the gut microbiota in ways that promote and sustain overall well-being.