Bacteriophages as key players in bacterial adaptation to the human gut

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Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entity on the planet, but their role in the human gut microbiome is poorly understood. In this project, the student will investigate how bacteriophages contribute to the adaptation of commensal bacteria to the human gut. Is bacteriophage infection detrimental or beneficial to successful colonisation of the gut? What is the function of prophages, i.e. phages that integrate into the bacterial genome? Findings from this work will help develop phage-based strategies for modulation of the gut microbiome for the benefit of human health. The project will combine bioinformatics approaches with laboratory experiments to determine the role of bacteriophages in the gut microbiome.