Microglial Education by the Microbiome: New Pathways for Targeting Neuroimmune Interactions

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science presents this talk as part of the Department of Biology Seminar Series.

About the talk

This work explores how early-life gut inflammation and the microbiome shape brain immune cells (microglia), with lasting consequences for neural development and behaviour.

Using models of inflammatory bowel disease, findings show that disrupted microbial signals alter microglial function, sex hormones and social behaviour—particularly in males.

The research highlights gut-derived metabolites like short-chain fatty acids as key regulators of microglial gene regulation through altered epigenetic pathways.

Speaker

Dr. Annie Ciernia
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Preregistration is not required.