معرفی
Matthew Sorbara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph (since 2021). His research focuses on understanding the functional and genomic diversity of the gut microbiota, particularly how microbial interactions influence host immunity and pathogen resistance. He holds a BSc in Microbiology from the University of Toronto, a PhD in Immunology from the University of Toronto, and completed postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Duchossois Family Institute (University of Chicago).
His lab investigates how genomic diversity within gut microbial species impacts their ability to prevent pathogen expansion and maintain host-microbiota homeostasis. Key areas include microbiota restoration strategies, microbial metabolic adaptations, and the interplay between diet, microbiota, and immune responses. Recent work emphasizes translational applications in microbiome-based therapeutics and live biotherapeutic design.
- Education:
- BSc in Microbiology, University of Toronto
- PhD in Immunology, University of Toronto
- CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Duchossois Family Institute (University of Chicago)
- Research Themes:
- Microbiota functional diversity and genomic variation
- Microbial colonization resistance mechanisms
- Host-microbiota metabolic interactions
- Restoration of dysbiotic microbiota
- Lab Location: SSC 3206A
Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding microbiota adaptations to host immune activation, microbial metabolic pathways (e.g., Wood-Ljungdahl pathway), and the design of synbiotics for microbiome modulation. His work bridges basic microbiology with clinical applications, addressing challenges in antimicrobial resistance and inflammatory diseases.
Matthew advises graduate and undergraduate students in microbiology, the microbiome, and host-pathogen interactions. Open positions are available for motivated candidates to join his lab.
