Research Information
Research Interests
The Claesen group aims to functionally characterize molecular mechanisms that control microbe-host interactions in the human microbiome. The group uses a combination of in silico and bacterial genetic techniques to identify and characterize the pathways required for these interactions and their small molecule products. They are engaged in the identification of dietary-derived bacterial metabolites that are hypothesized to have an impact on hormone-sensitive cancer progression. The group's research will contribute to a better mechanistic understanding of how gut microbes influence tumor development, leading to the discovery of druggable small molecules, new targets for antibacterial therapy and beneficial bacterial strains that can be employed for intervention therapies.