Welcome to the Home page of the Host-Microbe Interactomics Group
Part of the Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University
The Chair of HMI is Prof. Dr J.M. Wells
|
The microbial world is fiercely competitive and microbes have evolved to occupy almost every ecological niche including multicellular organisms. The diversity, sophistication, and range of molecular interactions between microbes and their hosts are remarkable. Our research ranges from work on the molecular mechanisms of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria to the interactions between and beneficial bacteria and their human or animal hosts. The group combines expertise in cell biology, immunology, microbiology and functional genomics to further our understanding of the molecular interactions occurring in the cross-talk between microbes and their hosts. | |
Host-Microbe Interactomics News
New high-content high throughput microscopy platform
At the beginning of this year the Centre for Advanced Technology AgroFood (CAT-AgroFood) Food Technology Platform click here supported the setting up of the BD pathway 855 imaging system in HMI laboratories. The BD Pathway automates the measurement of multiple image parameters from individual cells including confocal microscopy in an environmentally controlled environment. The machine can be used to screen from 1 to several thousand samples for their interaction with numerous cellular pathways and functions. When combined with RNA interference screens the technology can be used to identify mechanisms of bioactive molecules and specific host factors involved in host–pathogen/microbe interactions. For more information(pdf). To enquire about use of this technology please contact Jurgen Karczewski jurgen.karczewski(at)wur.nl
Professor Michiel Kleerebezem joins HMI
In September 2011 Michiel joined the HMI Chair group but retains a part time position as NIZO click here He is also a Theme Director of the Top Institute Food and Nutrition theme-cluster Bioingredients and Functionality click here His expertise centres around genetics (genomics), molecular biology and physiology of (Gram-positive) bacteria, with special focus on lactic acid bacteria and probiotics. In addition, the functional (meta-) genomic analysis of complex microbial communities is a prominent interest area especially in relation to the impact this has on the biology of the host.
Special Chair in the Intestinal Health of Animals
In December 2011 Professor Mari Smits was appointed as a special Chair in HMI. His interest is the understanding of the factors and mechanisms that influence the functionality and health of the gastro-intestinal tract of farmed animals. This knowledge will be used for the development of rational strategies to improve sustainable animal production by exploiting the biological potential of host-microbe-feed interactions. This appointment strengthens existing collaborations with Chair groups in Microbiology, Human Nutrition, Animal Nutrition and Systems Biology as well as the Central Veterinary Institute.
Anja Taverne-Thiele
Who joined HMI in January 2012 says that “working with microbes is a new challenge for me but I look forward sharing my knowledge and skills”. She brings with her more than 30 years of experience laboratory experience as a research assistant, particularly in histology, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry for light-, fluorescence- confocal-, and electron microscopy.