Engineering the microbiome to ameliorate age-related intestinal diseases and extend lifespan in Drosophila

In fruit flies and humans alike, the specific makeup of a host animal’s gut microbiome, the bacteria and other microbes that reside in the intestines, is known to have significant impact on physiological functions, including metabolism, immune response, intestinal inflammation, and longevity. Dr. Ulgherait’s research is aimed at improving typical aging-related intestinal disorders, such as susceptibility to infection or inflammation, through genetic alterations to the intestinal microbes of fruit flies, Dr. Ulgherait’s model organism. The end goal of these studies is to extend the healthspan and lifespan of other model organisms and, ultimately, to impact our own aging process.