EXC 2051: Balance of the Microverse

The Microverse Cluster focuses on the critical balance of microbial consortia within ecosystems, which is essential for climate stability, sustainable agriculture, and overall well-being. It aims to understand the dynamics of microbial balance, identify factors that disrupt it, and explore methods for re-establishing equilibrium. The cluster will investigate chemical signals, host interactions, and genetic exchanges across diverse environments by integrating expertise from various scientific fields. Ultimately, the Microverse Cluster seeks to develop innovative solutions to combat disease and environmental imbalances by learning from natural systems.

Further information: https://www.microverse-cluster.de/en/

Associated FLI PIs:

• Clara Correia-Melo
• Melike Dönertas
• Maria Ermolaeva
• Dario Riccardo Valenzano
• Claudia Waskow

Projects:

a) Systematic in vitro characterisation of the chemical crosstalk between aging host cells and gut bacteria with impact on dysbiosis (Clara Correia-Melo)

Dysbiosis, or changes in gut microbiome composition, is linked to aging and age-related diseases. This project will investigate how the aging host environment affects gut bacteria by analyzing the metabolic profiles of young and aged human cell lines and their impact on bacterial growth. In vitro findings will be integrated with in vivo data.

b) Buffering aging-dependent systemic inflammation through microbiota transplantation (Dario Riccardo Valenzano)

This project explores how host-associated microbiota change throughout life, influenced by diet, social factors, and health conditions. We aim to investigate the therapeutic potential of transferring microbiota between different age groups to reduce age-related inflammation. Understanding the interplay between host and microbiota, we seek to identify interventions that promote healthy aging and mitigate inflammation-related diseases.

c) Dynamics of host immune responses and infectious microbial communities (Claudia Waskow)

This research focuses on polymicrobial infections in mice, examining how inter-microbial communication affects immune responses and the transition from uncomplicated infections to severe disease. We aim to establish the relationship between microbial consortia and organ-specific immune responses, providing a foundation for future studies on manipulating these interactions to enhance protective immunity while minimizing harmful inflammation.

d) Establishing a humanized mouse model to study host response to polymicrobial sepsis (Claudia Waskow)

We explore how inter-microbial communication affects immune responses in mice, focusing on transitioning from mild to severe infections. The study uses advanced humanized mouse models to understand the relationship between microbial consortia and organ-specific immune responses, paving the way for new therapies that enhance immunity and reduce harmful inflammation.