Research Interests
About the project:
Trillions of bacteria comprise the gut microbiome and contribute to human health by producing metabolites that travel to distant tissues such as the liver or brain. Therefore, the microbiome represents an innovative approach to develop new therapies. Our team studies how bacterial competition for nutrients and space shapes the biodiversity of the gut. This is important because gut biodiversity is a determinant of human health. Moreover, a few key species can affect biodiversity, by direct competition with other bacteria.
Like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, most microbiome bacteria contribute to homeostasis and contribute to reduce inflammation in the gut, but a few species have strains associated to colorectal cancer and chronic inflammation. In some cases, when in competition, the commensal (beneficial) strains can kill and eradicate the cancer-associated strains. We will study the genes participating in this process using state-of-the-art techniques such as microbiome sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Ultimately, the results of this research should contribute to the design of strategies to better use the microbiome to reduce digestive tract cancer burden, which in the UK represents ~40,000 new cases per year with an economic cost of £17.1 billion.
The successful candidate will acquire training in cell biology, microbiology, genome editing and high-throughput sequencing. The project should provide experience to pursue industrial or academic R&D in the new field of microbiome therapeutic biologicals, synthetic biology or biotechnology.
Public outreach & key achievements
David A. Cisneros obtained international experience through two postdoctoral stays in France and Austria, thanks to a long-term EMBO fellowship and a VIPS fellowship. He obtained a pedagogic Docent title from Umea University in Sweden.
Previous to moving to Belfast, David A. Cisneros participated in outreach events in Sweden. This included the Science meet-up, an effort to integrate refugee high-school students trough science or inspirational lectures for medical students and new students.