The post-Human Genome Project era has highlighted the importance of environmental factors for the development of common human disorders, including metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disease. Our goal is to decipher the mechanisms by which these environmental factors, including diet, the light-dark cycle, temperature, xenobiotics and physical activity, are integrated into host physiology. In particular, we study the molecular and cellular pathways of communication between the outside world and the metabolic, immune, and nervous system.
We are using systems biology tools (including single-cell transcriptomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics), coupled to hypothesis-driven research in animal models and human cohorts. Our ultimate goal is to develop innovate new therapies for common human diseases.
Of special interest is the role of the microbiome – the entirety of microorganisms colonizing the human host – as a mediator between the inside and outside world of the human organism. The composition and function of the microbiome is greatly shaped by lifestyle and environmental factors and a critical determinant of disease susceptibility. We are devising new tools to study the microbiome and its communication with other organs of the body.
We are recruiting interested scientists at all levels (rotation students, graduate students, postdocs, research assistants, technicians). For available projects, please contact Christoph Thaiss.