Getting to the guts of weight control
The Charles Perkins Centre has brought together a multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, neuropathologists, nutrition scientists and behavioural psychologists to investigate exactly how our gut microorganisms interact with the rest of our bodies. Their aim is to develop strategies that will take these interactions into account in helping us to maintain a healthy weight.
Our gut houses an enormous population of microorganisms, with each of us having an individual gut microorganism ‘profile’. The activity of these microorganisms modifies the chemical composition of the food we eat, influencing how our bodies use it to produce energy and fight disease. Despite their microscopic size these tiny living things therefore hold significant sway over the major regulatory control systems of the body, including our metabolic, immune and nervous systems, and ultimately over our food choices and other behaviours.
The primary aim of this research group, led by Associate Professor Andre Holmes from the School of Molecular Bioscience, is to determine both the nature and the extent of the influence of these gut microorganisms on the overall functioning of the human body.
By uniquely collaborating across complementary but traditionally separate disciplines, the group will then correlate its findings to develop personalised lifestyle interventions that take into account each individual’s gut microorganism profile, making successful weight management more achievable.
Project node leader
Associate Professor Andrew Holmes
|Dr Eline Klaassens||School of Molecular Bioscience, Science|
|Professor Stephen Simpson||School of Biological Sciences, Sciences|
|Professor Ian Caterson||Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders|
|Dr Markus Hofer||School of Molecular Bioscience, Science|
|Professor Peter Reeves||School of Molecular Bioscience, Science|
|Dr Kim Bell-Anderson||School of Molecular Bioscience, Science|
|Associate Professor Anand Hardiker|
|Professor Len Storlien||Sydney Medical School|
|Associate Professor Greg Cooney|
|Professor Ian Paulsen|
|Professor Jon Iredell|
|Dr Sally Partridge|
|Dr Liam Elbourne|
|Clarissa Asha Febinia|