Thomas Kidder

• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
• Investigating the mechanism of mucin degradation by the gut microbiota.

The thick layer of mucus that protects the colonic epithelia provides a significant nutrient source for some members of the normal gut bacterial community (the gut microbiota). While in a healthy gut this process is carefully controlled, in certain disease states, such as inflammatory bowel disease, mucosal bacteria can contribute to the destruction of this protective barrier, thus exacerbating the disease. Despite the importance of this process to human health, very little is known about how the mucosal layer is broken down by the microbiota. In this project I will use molecular biology and biochemical techniques to further my understanding of mucosal break down by key members of the gut microbiota.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr David Bolam