Adam Douglas

Undergraduate Researcher @Michigan Medicine

Ann Arbor, MI, US

In the Martens Lab, my project focuses on Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. theta), a beneficial gut bacterium known for its ability to break down mucus. I am working on mutating specific mucus-degrading enzymes in B. theta to modify its activity, intending to enhance its ability to protect the human body against invading pathogens. This project is particularly important for individuals with low mucus levels on their intestinal lining, as reduced mucus can make them more vulnerable to conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. By engineering B. theta, we aim to strengthen the gut barrier and promote overall intestinal health.