IRELAND

The human intestine is home to an almost inconceivably large number of
microorganisms called the human gut microbiota. These can be pictured
as an organ placed within a host organism. Overall, the microorganisms
present in the intestine are believed to possess many positive functions
on human health. Bifidobacteria are commonly found in the gastrointestinal
tracts of humans and most animal and insects. And yet, despite
the generally accepted importance of bifidobacteria as positive
components of human gastro-intestinal tracts microflora and their use in
health-promoting foods (probiotics), there is a paucity of data about the
molecular mechanisms that explain their probiotic features.
A project being undertaken by Dr. Francesca Turroni, under the direction
of Prof. Douwe van Sinderen at the Department of Microbiology and
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork (UCC), is
engaged in ground-breaking research in the area: ‘My project is aimed at
increasing our knowledge on the molecular background pertaining to
the interaction between intestinal commensals such as bifidobacteria and
its host, which is an under-explored area as compared to other bacterial
groups, including pathogens. Within the human gut microbiota,
‘Despite extensive research on bifidobacteria,
little is known about the molecular details that
explain the impact or dependency of this
particular group of probiotic gut commensals
on other members of the human gut
microbiota, or on their host.’
bifidobacteria represent the first most numerous microbial groups
encountered in the colon of infants, considerably outnumbering other
bacterial groups.’
Dr. Turroni’s motivation for undertaking the research included the idea
of looking at the scientific evidence that might underpin the value of
probiotic foods: ‘In recent years significant efforts have been directed to
investigate and understand the mechanisms of action of probiotic
bacteria (i.e. microorganisms with positive effects on human heath), such
as bifidobacteria. The idea is to validate and exploit their use in (novel)
functional foods. Despite extensive research on bifidobacteria, little is
known about the molecular details that explain the impact or
dependency of this particular group of probiotic gut commensals on
other members of the human gut microbiota, or on their host. A clear
identification of their biological functionalities in the gut is necessary in
order to provide a robust scientific basis for probiotic foods.’
The project results to date suggest that there is an interactive relationship
between host and components of the intestinal microbiota. Overall, the
generated knowledge has increased the understanding of the ecological
role and associated physiological activities of bifidobacteria in the
mammalian gut. The project has also changed the manner in which Dr.
Turroni has approached her research: ‘Since starting this postdoctoral
work, I have become persuaded that it is not anymore possible to
perform research in a specific field, but that it is needed to broaden our
view. Human beings and bacteria have co-evolved and cannot be studied
as two separate organisms. I am firmly convinced that in the near future
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