We are happy to have visiting student Jiaying Zhu from Wuhan, China, in our group. She will be doing a 9-10 months internship with us as part of her PhD studies in bioinformatics. Her research focus on the interplay between gut microbiota, drugs and disease and she is looking forward to working with us on a better understanding of how the gut microbiota can contribute to T2D and its interaction with diabetes medication.

We decided to interview Jiaying Zhu who has now been working with us for a month:

How come you chose to work with our lab?

As a PhD candidate in bioinformatics, I’ve always been curious about how biologists think and what drives their research interests. I'm particularly passionate about using bioinformatics not just to develop methods, but to help uncover the biological stories behind phenotypes and explore their underlying mechanisms. In my previous work in China, I focused on changes in the microbiota community under specific conditions and their associations with host health. However, I’ve come to realize that it’s the metabolites produced by gut microbiota that primarily interact with the host and influence health outcomes. I'm eager to further explore the relationship between metabolites, the microbiome, and disease in my future research. The Bäckhed Lab’s groundbreaking work on understanding how microbiota and their metabolites impact host health aligns perfectly with my research goals.

What are you hoping to learn from the internship?

During this internship, I hope to deepen my understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota, their metabolites, and host health. Specifically, I want to learn more about how biologists investigate these connections and how bioinformatics can be applied to uncover meaningful biological insights. I’m also eager to explore advanced methods for integrating microbiome and metabolite data to better understand their roles in disease mechanisms. Working in the Bäckhed Lab will give me valuable hands-on experience in these areas and help me expand my skill set in a collaborative, cutting-edge environment.

What are your studies and where?

I am in the final year of my PhD program at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China and currently an exchange student in Fredrik Bäckhed's lab. My research in China focuses on how proton pump inhibitors impact the transmission of oral bacteria through the gastrointestinal tract to the gut. At the Bäckhed lab, I am investigating the relationship between tryptophan metabolism and the human gut microbiome.

What is your role in the group/main area of expertis?

My primary role is as a bioinformatician, focusing on the analysis of complex data related to microbiome research. I leverage my expertise to interpret the interactions among microbiota, metabolites, and host health. Additionally, I contribute to understanding how various factors, such as medications, influence the gut microbiome. This position allows me to collaborate closely with microbiologists and researchers, effectively bridging the gap between data analysis and biological insights.

Your impressions from the lab so far? 

People in the lab come from diverse backgrounds, and they are all incredibly kind and welcoming to newcomers. They helped me quickly adapt to the environment and offered valuable suggestions. Many of them are innovative and full of great ideas when it comes to scientific discussions. The lab is also well-equipped with advanced facilities, so there’s no need to worry about any limitations in the experimental environment. I really enjoy being here.

Your impressions of Gothenburg/Sweden?

Gothenburg is a beautiful and peaceful city with a great balance between urban life and nature. The people here are friendly and helpful, which made it easy to settle in. I enjoy the relaxed pace of life. Sweden, in general, has a strong focus on sustainability, and I appreciate how clean and green everything is. The culture here values work-life balance, which I find refreshing. Overall, my experience in Gothenburg and Sweden has been very positive.

How come you choose this field of science?

I once came across discussions online about whether probiotics are merely a way to extract money from consumers, which sparked my interest in microorganisms, particularly the human microbiome. This curiosity led me to explore how these microbes influence our health and well-being, and I became eager to understand their complex interactions within our bodies. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became by the potential implications of te microbiome on various aspects of human health.

What would you like to achieve with your science (for yourself and/or others)?

I aspire to contribute to a deeper understanding of the human microbiome and its intricate relationships with health and disease, particularly focusing on the role of metabolites in these interactions. Personally, I hope to develop my expertise in bioinformatics and microbiome research, enabling me to uncover valuable insights that can inform therapeutic strategies and improve health outcomes. By emphasizing the importance of metabolites, I aim to highlight how they mediate the interactions between microbiota and host health. Ultimately, I strive to bridge the gap between data analysis and practical applications, ensuring that my work benefits both the scientific community and individuals seeking to enhance their health through a better understanding of their microbiomes and their metabolic profiles.

Anything to share about your time outside lab?

I’ve really enjoyed cooking food myself, even though I barely knew how to cook before going abroad. I approach cooking like an experiment—following a cookbook feels like following a protocol, which is quite amusing for a bioinformatician who rarely gets hands-on in the lab.

What do you do to promote a healthy gut microbiome and/or health in general?

To promote a healthy gut microbiome, I focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, which support beneficial gut bacteria. I also try to limit the intake of processed foods, sugar, and unnecessary antibiotics, as these can negatively impact the gut microbiome. Regular exercise, staying hydrated, and managing stress are also essential aspects of my routine, as they contribute to overall gut and general health. Additionally, based on my research on the oral-to-gut transmission of oral bacteria, it's crucial to pay extra attention to oral hygiene, especially when taking medications like proton pump inhibitors. These drugs can increase the likelihood of oral bacteria and other pathogens reaching the gut, which may disrupt the gut microbiome.