Department of Neurology

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX

Welcome to the Biome Lab

The Ganesh Biome lab at UTHealth is at the forefront of gut microbiome research. We investigate how microbial communities shape gut–brain interactions to improve human health and disease outcomes.

Our Research Interest

Role of Gut Dysfunction in Central Amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology and AD progression

Our lab investigates the link between gut dysbiosis and its role in amyloid-β pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease progression. We set out to identify the role of pathogenic bacterial products which resemble amyloid-like proteins, such as curli, within the gut and how they interfere with brain signaling in the host. These biofilm-forming curli proteins exhibit functional similarities to human amyloid-β (Aβ). Therefore, we set out to explore the signaling cascade caused by bacterial amyloid translocation that may contribute to neurological disease progression through the gut-brain axis.

Shown is an IHC E-Cadherin (green) stained Small Intestine Phyto-treated Mice

Phytocompound Administration in Gestational Diabetic Dams

Gestational Diabetes disrupts gut health and may harm brain functions in mothers and offspring. In mice, metformin lowered blood sugar but did not improve cognitive or behavioral outcomes. A plant-based prebiotic restored gut balance and improved cognitive functions.

Mast Cells Connect the Gut and the Brain Post-Stroke

Our research focuses on mast cell activation in the gut mucosa of aged animals after stroke, particularly its role in histamine release, intestinal barrier disruption, and inflammation. We are further interested in investigating whether therapeutic interventions targeting this pathway can improve post-stroke recovery.

Shown is an IHC H2AX (green) stained Aged Mice Small Intestine

Aging caused gut epithelial senescence

Gut epithelial senescence found elevated in aged mice compared to young mice. Using IHC, we stained for senescence markers. Interestingly gut inflammation accelerated gut epithelial senescence. We set to identify the mechanism behind this phenomenon in-order to reverse aging and improve gut barrier integrity