Evaluation of gut microvirome in Drosophila models for mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders

 Gut microbiota plays an important role in the bidirectional interaction between gut and nervous system. Previous studies using microbiota deficient germ free animal models have shown correlation between abnormal gut microbiome and CNS disorders. Studies using Drosophila models of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) have also shown significant difference in gut bacteria composition. However, the correlation between NDD and gut phages hasn’t been elucidated. We hypothesized that NDDs also change the composition of phages in the guts which modulate the bacteria population. The project reveals more insight into the microbiota-gut-brain axis and the possible use of phage therapeutics for treating neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism and ADHD.