Our lab investigates diet-microbiota interactions in chronic intestinal disorders. One central line of research involves the metabolic activity of gut bacteria on the digestion of the dietary protein gluten. Another line of research, relates to projects that investigate role of proteolytic imbalance in ulcerative colitis, and the contribution of proteolytic bacteria to colonic inflammation. We explore mechanisms through which microbes can modulate intestinal inflammation and that could be targeted therapeutically to better treat celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.
As a Latin American woman and a member of the Latin America at McMaster (LATAM) group, I am committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in our lab that values diversity and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise. In our lab we believe that diversity and inclusion are critical components for achieving the best results and making meaningful contributions to our field. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels supported and included. We strongly encourage students and post-doctoral fellows from underrepresented groups to apply.
Research focus
About 40 per cent of most populations have a genetic predisposition to celiac disease, but only one per cent develop the autoimmune condition when exposed to dietary gluten, and this could be influenced by the type of bacteria present in the gut. Research performed in our lab discovered that opportunistic pathogens and commensal bacteria that colonize the small intestine are capable of degrading dietary gluten differentially, increasing or decreasing the immunogenicity of gluten peptides. Inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are multifactorial, however gut bacteria have been proposed as drivers of inflammation. Our lab utilizes gnotobiotic models using bacteria isolated from IBD patients, and studies intestinal barrier development and gut proteolytic/ anti-proteolytic balance as mechanisms underlying the link between bacterial communities and IBD.
Research approaches
Research tools include gnotobiotic mouse models of colonization using bacteria isolated from patients’ samples. Sequencing, isolation and metabolic activity of intestinal bacteria are investigated through collaboration with the Sequencing Facility at the Farncombe Institute and the Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences Department at McMaster. Collaboration with the Division of Gastroenterology enables translational clinical studies in patient cohorts.
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