Isolation of anaerobic bacteria residing in the human large intestine
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Isolation of anaerobic bacteria residing in the human large intestine from human faecal and biopsy samples
IRAS ID
214545
Contact name
Karen Scott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance, University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 14 days
Research summary
Much research is still required to fully understand the contribution of bacteria normally resident in the large intestine to health and disease. Such research aims to define the roles of specific bacteria, or groups of bacteria, through 1) their contributions to gut metabolism, 2) interactions with host cells, 3) responses to and interactions with dietary components, 4) their relative abundance under different dietary or health conditions. Most studies of large intestinal bacteria have focussed on the bacteria present in faecal samples. It is possible that the bacteria present in the mucosal layer may be different - either in composition, abundance or activity. In this feasibility study we will collect paired faecal and mucosal samples from the same healthy individual to characterise, isolate and culture the bacteria present. Comparison of the two sample sets will determine whether there are compositional differences between the two bacterial populations. In addition, characterisation and investigation of the cultured isolates will determine whether any of them have the potential to confer significant health benefits on the host if developed as probiotics.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
17/NS/0112
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion