Gut infections and the brain talk around the clock

Circadian rhythms are ~24-hour rhythms that coordinate virtually all our behaviours and physiological processes with daily environmental changes such as when we sleep and wake up in response to light/dark cycles. This internal timekeeping is controlled by a group of cells in the brain which function as our “master clock”. The brain itself is connected to millions of good bacteria in the gut, forming a multifaceted system of gut-brain communication which maintains our health. However, less is known about how circadian rhythms, gut-brain communication, and bacteria interact in the context of disease. Therefore, my PhD aims to draw these systems together to understand how gut infections may impact the brain and circadian rhythms, and vice versa. The interaction of these systems is particularly relevant to hospital patients with gut infections where natural light cues for our circadian rhythms are replaced by artificial light. This project could reveal novel ways in which gut bacteria may affect us beyond the gut and inform innovative therapies for gut bacteria of healthcare concern.