Abstract
The central aim of this project is to explore how small metabolites produced by beneficial microbiota in the vagina and gut contribute to systemic health. We combine cutting-edge microbiome and metabolomics analyses from human intervention studies with mechanistic laboratory experiments to investigate how specific microbial metabolites influence host physiology and microbial ecosystem stability.
Our focus lies on metabolites produced by lactic acid bacteria, including B vitamins, indole derivatives, and neurotransmitters. In particular, we study how these molecules promote cross-feeding between microbial species and support stable microbial communities. A key molecule of interest is riboflavin (vitamin B2), a redox-active compound hypothesized to facilitate extracellular electron transfer (EET) and microbial cooperation. We investigate Limosilactobacillus spp., which are low-abundance but high-prevalence inhabitants of the human gut and vagina, and may act as keystone taxa due to their unique metabolic capabilities.
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