On Thursday, August 31, the Allentown monthly educational webinar will feature presenters from Georgia State University’s (GSU) Division of Animal Resources, Michael W. Hart, DVM, MS, DACLAM, University Veterinarian and Director, and Adjunct Professor, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, and Rex A. Howard, DVM, DACLAM, Assistant Director of Clinical Services. The mammalian phenotype is largely driven by the combination of host and microbiome genes. The microbiomes of free-living organisms (including wild mice and humans) co-evolved with their respective hosts over thousands of years by natural selection, creating a symbiotic host-microbe relationship integral to host physiology. The laboratory mouse microbiome evolved over much shorter periods in a sanitized and restrictive environment devoid of numerous microorganisms. For the past several years, one of GSU’s investigators (who studies inflammation and translational immunology) has had an ongoing study concerning the “wilding” of the laboratory mouse gut microbiota. We will discuss the mechanisms of “wilding” utilized, the success of the mechanisms realized (shift in gut microbiota and immune phenotype), applications of the model, and challenges along the way. The session will be moderated by Cindy A. Buckmaster, PhD, CMAR, RLATG. Register for the webinar Publication date 26 Aug, 2016
