The Chemistry of the Human Microbiome: Deciphering Gut and Vaginal Health

Interest in the human microbiome’s effects on health seems to be at an all-time high, evident by the hundreds of supplements and pre or probiotics found on store shelves. But, is this a fad or are we seeing the next great movement in healthcare?

We do know that microbial metabolism plays critical roles in the human body, but our limited knowledge of microbial functional capabilities prevents us from fully elucidating the mechanisms underlying their influence. There is still much to learn about these microorganisms living in and on the human body and how they use chemistry not only to grow and survive, but also to interact with each other and with the host.

Join Emily Balskus, the Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of Chemistry at Harvard University and an Investigator at Howard Hughes Medical Institute, as she deciphers the human microbiome, with special attention paid to the gut and vaginal microbiomes, by integrating microbiology and chemistry. Register now to discover how her and her group hope to apply this information toward improving human health as she discusses the new exciting opportunities for chemical discovery and therapeutics that it may provide.

This ACS Webinar is moderated by Michi Taga, Professor of Microbiology at UC Berkeley and is co-produced with ACS Publications and the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry.

What You Will Learn

• How the gut and vaginal microbiomes play important roles in human health
• How the gut and vaginal microbial activities are linked to health and disease
• What chemical knowledge and tools can help us discover, study and manipulate metabolism from the microbiome

MEET THE EXPERTS

Emily Balskus, Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of Chemistry, Harvard University & Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Michi Taga, Professor of Microbiology, UC Berkeley