Cornelius Gross, PhD - "Europe’s Life Science Research Organization" and Jamie Hackett, PhD - "Intergenerational Inheritance: Why your Father’s Microbes matter"

  • When Mar 09, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM (Europe/Berlin / UTC100)
  • Where Tigem Auditorium Vesuvius
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Horst Hamann Gross head shot 2022.jpgCornelius Gross
Interim Head of EMBL Rome & Senior Scientist
Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Monterotondo (RM)

Short CV



Abstract "Europe’s Life Science Research Organization"

EMBL is Europe's life science research organization – an international institution promoting excellence in research and supported by 27 member states, including Italy. At EMBL, fundamental research is carried out side-by-side with the development and delivery of research services for the global community. I will describe EMBL’s unique research model, show how it has shaped the European research landscape, and present its new scientific programme in which EMBL will leverage its expertise in molecular biology to understand biological ecosystems at a mechanistic level. I will conclude by giving an overview of the research and service activities at EMBL’s site in Italy



JamieHackett.jpgJamie Hackett
Group Leader,
Epigenetics & Neurobiology Unit, EMBL Rome

Short CV


Abstract "Intergenerational Inheritance: Why your Father’s Microbes matter"

The gut microbiota operates at the interface of host-environment interactions to influence human homeostasis and metabolic networks. Environmental factors that unbalance the gut microbiome can therefore elicit physiological and disease-associated responses across somatic tissues. However, the systemic impact of the gut microbiome on the germline is not explored. I will discuss our recent evidence suggesting that environmentally-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiome exerts a significant influence on male germ cells. As a consequence, perturbations to the gut microbiome of prospective fathers can manifest as increased disease risk in offspring. This has implications for our understanding of biological inheritance and highlights the potential intergenerational impact of our environment