Research

Thesis title: Analysis of gut and buccal microbiomes in diversity and abundance among night shift and day shift workers and compare groups using 16S ribosomal RNA (DNA) targeted gene sequencing.

Thesis outline: This study will focus on targeting the 16S rRNA gene for comprehensive microbial identification and profiling with the aim to investigate the field of metagenomics of the human gut and oral microbiota, specifically focusing on species composition, microbial relationships, diversity, and functional potential. In addition, the integration of metabolomics, including the analysis of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), will provide insights into metabolic activity and functional roles of both microbiomes.  

The PhD thesis is part of the European project SHIFT2HEALTH, and will use data and outcomes derived from the project, but will also generate valuable insights to be integrated with the data coming from various studies within the project. The main aim of the SHIFT2HEALTH project is to attempt to determine the characteristics of early obesity risk markers (obesogenic biomarkers), which may be linked to altered circadian rhythms and lifestyle factors of shift workers. This thesis will specifically focus on the microbial composition in biological samples of shift and non shift workers in both healthcare and industry sectors. Ultimately, it seeks to improve the understanding of the unique health challenges faced by shift workers and provide insights into the microbiome’s role in mediating these risks. The SHIFT2HEALTH project has been divided into 8 work packages (WP). My work primarily falls under WP2 and, WP4. WP2 is a cross-sectional study including a nested mechanistic part collecting biological samples to explore the relationship between shift work and pre-obesity biomarkers. WP4 is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention study involving only night shift workers. In my thesis, I would specifically focus on the buccal and gut microbiome.

Supervisor: Karl-Heinz Wagner

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