Gut microbiome 16S sequencing from germfree mice colonized with Sjogren Syndrome patient and healthy subject stools

We are investigating the link between the gut microbiome and ocular surface health. Sjogren Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by secretory dysfunction in the eye and mouth; in the eye, this results in tear film instability, reduced tear production, and corneal barrier disruption. A growing number of studies show that homeostasis of the ocular surface is impacted by the intestinal microbiome. We colonized germfree mice with Sjogren Syndrome patient and healthy subject stools to look at the impact on the ocular surface.