Using Genomic Methods to Explore the Phage-Bacteria-Human Nexus

You are cordially invited to a special seminar of the
Department of Human molecular Genetics and Biochemistry
And
Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology

By
Yishay Pinto PHD
School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA

Title:

Using Genomic Methods to Explore the Phage-Bacteria-Human Nexus

Abstract: There are trillions of bacteriophages associated with the human body, and exploring their impact on our health presents exciting new avenues in biology and medicine. However, bacteriophages have been difficult to culture, and this has necessitated the use of advanced genomic approaches to understand how they might contribute to human health. This talk will describe the development and use of advanced genomic approaches to explore unknown microbiomes of ~400 wild animals, and quantify the impact of gut bacteria on gestational diabetes in humans. I will then describe a novel approach to systematically identify bacteriophages illuminating this neglected territory in the human microbiome field. Building upon these foundations, I’ll present my vision to employ genomic tools to study bacteriophage-human interactions and utilize phages as biomarkers, therapeutics, and modulators for the next advancement in disease diagnosis and treatment.

The Seminar will take place on Sunday, January 28th, 2024 at 10:30
At the Faculty of Medicine Building, Room 119