Human Microbiome

Both inside and out, our bodies harbor a huge array of bacteria and other microorganisms collectively known as the human microbiome. Although bacteria are often thought to be dangerous, many of those that comprise the microbiome are essential for life. Our researchers are focused on understanding the delicate bacterial balance in the human body and how slight changes in that balance can either improve health or lead to diseases.


JCVI Human Microbiome Research Impact

Since the publication of the groundbreaking gut microbiome survey paper in 2006, J. Craig Venter Institute scientists have published over 145 human microbiome-related papers, garnering over 28,400 citations.

Astronaut Microbiome

This project aims to understand how the extreme conditions of space travel affect the microbiome. 

Help Take the Bite Out of Cancer

The goal is to find novel biomarkers to aid in prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutics of OSCC.

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Saliva Proteome Database

The Human Salivary Proteome (HSP) Wiki as a public data portal for searching and retrieving custom-curated information about the proteome of human saliva.

No More Needles!

Transforming the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

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Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project

This project utilizes genomics approaches to confirm the identity of the remains purported to be that of Leonardo da Vinci as well as to characterize the microbial population on aging artwork.

Genomics, Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Healing in Chronic Wounds

Utilize genomics approaches to identify the microbial composition and functional elements in non-healing and chronic wounds.

Proteomics for UTI diagnosis

Understanding host-pathogen interactions is critical when it comes to improving diagnostic approaches to urinary tract infections. 

Genomics and Proteomics Approaches to T1D

This study addresses the complex interactions between the host and environmental factors as they relate to the development of Type I Diabetes (T1D). 

Human Microbiome Project

The Human Microbiome Project involves characterizing human microbial isolates using whole genome shotgun sequencing.

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Microbiome and Metaproteome

We use genomics approaches to detect the presence of bacteria with known inflammatory responses in asymptomatic patients. 

01-May-2024

Tae Seok Moon, Ph.D. and Nan Zhu, Ph.D. join J. Craig Venter Institute faculty

JCVI continues to actively recruit faculty to expand core research areas, including human health and synthetic biology

18-Apr-2024
Press Release

Groundbreaking study reveals oral microbiome’s role in immune response and COVID-19 severity

Newly developed AI model shows that saliva is a better predictor of COVID-19 severity than existing blood tests

22-Feb-2024
Collaborator Release

New LongCOVID research launched by PolyBio’s global consortium of scientists

Funding will deepen research on the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in LongCOVID patients and launch new clinical trials

18-Jun-2020
Press Release

Biology in Art: Genetic Detectives ID Microbes Suspected of Slowly Ruining Humanity’s Treasures

DNA science may help restore, preserve historic works, unmask counterfeits

The trait elite baseball hitters share with Leonardo da Vinci: A “quick eye” with higher “frames per second.” A function of training, genetics, or both?

26-May-2020
Press Release

Maintaining a Healthy Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome May Help Prevent Secondary Infections in Influenza A Patients

An influenza-impacted upper respiratory tract microbiome may invite opportunistic bacterial pathogens

22-Aug-2019
Workshop Alert

JCVI/AADR Fall Focused Symposium

Integrating Omic Datasets Towards Translation

02-May-2018
Blog

BioVision Alexandria 2018

Identifying Healthy Aging Biomarkers

This study aims to identify specific biomarkers that correlate with longevity and healthy aging using genomics and proteomics approaches.

Zoo in You Traveling Exhibition

Our bodies are home to trillions of bacteria. This project provides an education resource to middle and high school aged children who are interested in science and medicine.

TEDDY Infectious Agents

In this study, we propose to investigate the Prokaryotic species associated with the gut microbiome using whole genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing of stool samples via Solexa sequencing technology.

Vaginal Microbiome Project

A metagenomics approach to understanding the relationship between the vaginal microbiome, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal health and preterm birth.