Dietary adaptation of Bifidobacterium in the weaning infant gut

The infant gut is a complex, constantly adapting ecosystem which shows distinct shifts as a consequence of introducing solid foods, which can have lifelong health impacts. An important nutrient in weaning foods is starch, a key dietary component in the adult diet. The genus Bifidobacterium has several adaptations making it a key starch degrader during the dietary transition of weaning, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood.

This project, using data and microbial isolates from a large cohort study of infants, will aim to unravel the mechanisms used by Bifidobacterium to utilise starch as a substrate and establish itself within the ecosystem of the human gut.

The studentship will provide excellent training in a range of techniques including cutting edge metagenomics, microbiology, protein biochemistry and biophysical techniques. Norwich is a leading microbiology and microbiota research centre and represents an excellent platform for a starting scientific career