We are what we eat. The food we consume shapes our gut microbiota, which in turn plays a key role in health and disease. Bilophila is a resident of the human gut microbiome and is a member of sulphite-reducing bacteria (SRB) that release the toxic molecule hydrogen sulphide (H2S) as a by-product. H2S has been linked to colonic disorders and gut inflammation. High-fat diets are becoming more prevalent. Meat based high-fat diets are enriched with specific amino acids and in animal studies they are shown to promote the growth of Bilophila. However, their impact in humans is not yet established. Intriguingly, our recent work on cultivation and diversity analyses revealed that Bilophila is a common member of the human gut microbiome. This raises the following questions: are they detrimental to us? Can we develop specific diets or other intervention strategies to control their population? This multidisciplinary project aims to understand the dynamics of Bilophila in the gut microbiome and its relationship to diet and gut health using in vitro colon models, tissue culture, metagenomics, and metabolomics. The student will use state-of-the-art ‘omics’ techniques and will join an interdisciplinary team that will support their training and development. They will design and test novel strategies to develop dietary interventions to understand the role of SRB in health and disease. The student will have the opportunity to collaborate with industrial partners and research groups in China and will have intellectual input to direct the project.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.
The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

Ref: NARBADQ19DTP1

Supervisor: Prof. Arjan Narbad

For further information and to apply, please visit website: http://www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk or contact Prof. Arjan Narbad