Byron Smith

BWF PUP program: University of Michigan "Integrated Training in Microbial Systems (ITiMS)"

Email: bjsm@umich.edu

Phone: (202)507-9572 (c)

Research interests: I develop and use bioinformatic tools and statistical models to integrate diverse data towards understanding complex microbial communities.

Current research: I study the bacteria inhabiting the gut of mice treated with the α-glucosidase inhibitor, acarbose (ACA), which increases longevity. ACA inhibits host enzymes from degrading starch, resulting in a large flux of this polysaccharide to the lower digestive system and the increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through microbial fermentation. My work focuses on the response of the bacterial community to treatment with this drug, as well as its role in SCFA production.

System of Study: