Intro to the Microbiome

Interest in the microbiome and its role in health and disease is a rapidly growing research focus for academic institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Many research areas from immunology, to oncology to metabolic disease are being impacted by the commensal microbes of the host. Interest in the microbiome is expanding rapidly as are the insights into its role in health and disease states.

The presentation will include a brief history of the microbiome in research, a discussion of health standards and host interaction with the gut flora, care and use of gnotobiotic and germ-free models and a review of current studies involving the microbiome.

Topics include:

• Best practices for gnotobiotic and germ free models
• Research areas related to microbiome research
• Choosing appropriate models for microbiome studies
• The care and use of gnotobiotic models

The webinar will help viewers:

• Understand the role of microbiome in different disease areas.
• Gain knowledge of factors to consider in selecting an appropriate model for a research protocol
• Gain insight into the role of SFB (segmented filamentous bacteria) in studies and the importance of knowing the SFB status of your models

Speaker

Jennifer Phelan, Product Manager, Taconic Biosciences

Jennifer Phelan is a Product Manager for traditional and induced models and has worked in a variety of roles at Taconic since 1995. Her expertise is in animal model breeding and husbandry as well as their research applications. She has been in Product Management for 15 years, and her portfolio includes commercial germ free models. Jenn has organized several microbiome research symposiums and serves on the board of directors for the National Gnotobiotic Association.

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