There is growing evidence for the importance of the gut microbiome. However, the majority of research has so far relied heavily on two model systems: humans, and laboratory mice, with very little known about (truly) natural populations.
To address this, I am currently studying the natural variation in gut microbiota in a population of wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) on a Welsh island (Skokholm).
CAUSES OF VARIATION IN THE GUT MICROBIOME
Controlled studies have been valuable in shedding light on multiple causes of variation in the microbiome; including for example genetics, diet, age and parasite infection. In the real, wild, world these factors do not act independently but in combination: for example, animals with different genetic backgrounds, may also vary in their level of nutrition and in their infection status leading to some, natural, variation in the microbiome.
My current project builds on the work conducted in the laboratory systems to broaden translation to ecologically realistic settings, to understand how these different factors interact or combine, and their relative importance in shaping the microbiome (for example the relative importance of genetics and the environment in shaping the microbiome).
CONSEQUENCES OF VARIATION IN THE GUT MICROBIOME
Animal microbiomes have pervasive effects on many aspects of host biology, but much of what we know of these relationships is based on laboratory model systems where, measurement have been limited to short-term effects on host biology which are measurable in the laboratory e.g. measures of metabolism, immunity, neurology or behaviour.
My current project, to understand the long-term effects of microbiome variation on host biology, and ultimately fitness, in an ecologically realistic setting.