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Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SEMINAR SERIES Dr. Gregor g Reid Lawson Health Research Institute Scientist and Director of the Canadian Research and Development Centre for Probiotics “The Vaginal Microbiome and Probiotics: what we know and what we need to find out” From microbiology to genetics and bioinformatics, bioinformatics from cell biology and immunology to metabolomics Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. in ANNU 156 The Human Microbiome Project has brought attention to the importance of indigenous microbes in human life and survival. Prior to the current distribution of continents, these single cell organisms dominated the planet. Having been part of the evolution of humans, it is no surprise that microbes now dominate the human body, playing a role in all facets of life. No more important a role is the one played by lactobacilli in the health of the female reproductive tract. Involved in the successful delivery of newborns, lactobacilli protect the host from a number of diseases. DNA sequencing has now shown that over 200 different microbial species p can be found in the vagina, g , with lactobacilli abundant in a healthyy state. Illumina sequencing has identified two profiles aligned with a healthy state and four with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common aberrant condition that increases the risk of sexually transmitted infection and preterm labour. The fastidious Lactobacillus iners, with the smallest genome of all lactobacilli, has barely the capacity to survive, yet it is recalcitrant to being displaced by pathogens or antibiotics. It is not clear if L. iners actively protect the host from infection, or simply provide a means for a healthy state to return post-therapy. In order to try and replenish the vaginal microbiota, two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, have been developed for oral and intravaginal administration. The mechanisms involved in their efficacy include production of biosurfactants, antiinfective factors, the ability to modulate host immunity, as well as apparently improving epithelial tight junction barriers. With no new diagnostic or effective treatments for urogenital infections in 40 years, it is time to translate microbiome data into practice, and integrate probiotics into the management of feminine health. Host: Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe Coffee, Tea & Timbits available EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND! “A great opportunity to hear leading researchers in the scientific community discuss their work”