Microbiome Core

The human gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that have been shown to affect multiple organ systems including the brain, immune system, endocrine system, and metabolism, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of major human diseases including type 2 diabetes.  Our new Microbiome Core is directed by Dr. Beth McCormick (Professor and Vice Chair of Microbiology and Physiological Systems), who is a leading scientist in microbiome research, and provides expert knowledge and state-of-the-art tools for researchers to study gut microbiota in mouse models of human diseases to advance our understanding of this critical interplay.

The Microbiome Core offers:

• Consultation service for the design and implementation of gut microbiome studies
• Sample preparation and quality control tests
• Metagenomic 16S rRNA NextGen sequencing methodologies
• Post-sequencing consultation for data analysis, interpretation, upload, and presentation
• Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) procedure to selectively alter gut microbiota in mice
• Chronic and acute antibiotic treatment to induce altered gut microbiota in mice