Analyses of host-microbiota interactions in aging C. elegans hosts Year 2

This project sought to characterize host-microbiome interactions using two model organisms, C. elegans and E. coli, and more specifically, how those interactions affect host aging and longevity. We were particularly interested in biofilm formation due to previous C. elegans studies finding it increased host life span. We also wondered if host genotype could affect responses to the microbiome, leading us to utilize multiple mutants. Therefore, we created this inter-species model to limit complexity as a way to facilitate studying these interactions and how they change over time and with respect to host genotype.