PROGRAM
Next Meeting:
PACIFIC:
APRIL 11/12 2022ATLANTIC: APRIL 13 2022
KEYNOTE TALK
Assembly and dysbiosis of the seaweed microbiome
prof Suhelen Egan

Bio
Suhelen Egan is an Associate Professor at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) UNSW. She is a microbiologist with experience in the areas of molecular microbiology, microbial symbioses and marine biotechnology. Her current research interests include understanding the role of microorganisms for the heath and function of marine plants and animals.
Abstract
Seaweeds are a ubiquitous group of photosynthetic organisms that play an essential role in many aquatic ecosystems. Seaweeds also host complex microbiomes. While symbiotic interactions with these microbiomes are essential for seaweeds, we now also know that microorganisms can be responsible for negative outcomes, such as disease of the host.
In this seminar I will firstly discuss how ecological principles such as the “lottery hypothesis” and “priority effects” determine how microbiomes assemble on seaweeds. Secondly, I will discuss how anthropogenic stressors can disturb the microbiome (i.e. cause dysbiosis) resulting in the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens leading to disease. Finally, I will describe recent studies that show mitigation of disease through the addition of beneficial microorganisms and their possible mode of action.
SELECTED TALKS
Illuminating the black box: developing new genetic systems for genetically intractable microbiome species
Justin Merritt
Oregon Health & Science University
See the abstract!
Urinary microbiome resistance: urinary lactobacilli inhibit three major uropathogens in vitro
Tatyana Sysoeva
University of Alabama in Huntsville
See the abstract!
Axial spondyloarthritis patients have altered mucosal IgA response to oral and fecal microbiota
Tejpal Gill
Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, OHSU
See the abstract!
HIGHLIGHTS
Open-access Paper Highlights
Not all stool is created equal: Strain engraftment competition and functional augmentation in a multi-donor faecal microbiota transplantation trial for obesity
Brooke Wilson
Liggins Institute, University of Auckland
See the abstract!
A systematic review of gut microbiota composition in observational studies of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Amelia McGuinness
The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine and Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
See the abstract!