Gut Microbiota-host Interaction

Understanding the complex interactions between intestinal microbiota and the host is a main goal of our research. The intestinal ecosystem relies on dynamic and reciprocal interactions between microbiota, the epithelium and the immune system. Our research is focused to the bacterial factors that mediate microbiota effects. Factors secreted by microbiota can diffuse through the mucin layer and reach the cells at the intestinal mucosa. All bacteria release extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) to communicate with the environment. These vesicles allow secretion of selected proteins and active compounds in a protected environment, allowing long distance communication. We aim to elucidate the role of microbiota vesicles as key effectors in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis, especially in the modulation of the intestinal epithelial barrier and immune responses.

Our experimental models are: (i) human intestinal epithelial cell lines and immune cells (PBMCs, lymphocytes and dendritic cells), cultured either as single cells or in co-culture; and (ii) DSS-induced colitis murine model. Cell responses are analyzed by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, immunodetection and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Now we are applying high-throughput screening methods to identify MV-regulated genes in dendritic cells, with specific attention to miRNAs. Our research, funded by Spanish Ministry programs co-financed with European Commission ERDF funds, is unravelling molecular mechanisms involving microbiota vesicles, contributing to a better characterization of the complex interaction between gut microbiota and the host.

Our group is also integrated into the Consolidated SGR Group on Integrative Biochemistry (Generalitat of Catalonia), whose principal investigator is the IBUB member M. Cascante. Both groups collaborate in the characterization of anti-cancer drug targets and anti-inflammatory activity of natural compounds in the framework of industry and international projects.