The Gut Microbiome Group

The Gut Microbiome Group is a recently established dynamic and innovative research laboratory in the School of Medical Sciences (Level 3, Medical School North) headed by Dr Rachel Gibson. As a branch of the internationally recognised Mucositis Research Group, the focus of their research is to investigate the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the gut microbiome (bacterial population) of cancer patients and the development of clinically diagnosed diarrhoea (a manifestation of intestinal mucositis).  Specific changes in the gut microbiome may lead to the development of a biomarker to predict the onset of the toxic effects of chemotherapy and improve patient care.  This novel research may also lead to the development of intervention agents to prevent or treat chemotherapy-induced mucositis and diarrhoea. The group members have extensive experience in a variety of techniques and are widely published in fields including, pathology, molecular biology, microbiology and immunology. Their studies are supported by access to the research laboratories first-class facilities and a stimulating work environment.

Group Members:

Laboratory Head: Dr Rachel Gibson
Visiting Research Fellow: Dr Andrea Stringer
Research Assistant: Ms Bronwen Mayo
Honours candidate: Mr Daniel Thorpe