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Suvi Ruuskanen, Associate professor from the JYU Department of Biological and Environmental Science, investigates what physiological and molecular mechanisms explain organisms’ adaptation to environmental changes. Her research focuses especially on gut microbiome, which has well-knownimpacts on health and diseases. However, in order to understand the role of gut microbiome in evolution, we need more knowledge about wild species and natural populations.  

Gut microbiome research in natural populations from the molecular level to evolutionary patterns 

Ruuskanen’s ERC project “The role of the gut microbiome in host responses to environmental variation: within and across generations and species” helps understand the role the gut microbiome plays in organisms’ adaptation to environmental changes, and on what time scale. The issue is addressed from the molecular level up to evolution.  

“We seek to understand the causal role of the gut microbiome in the variation of an individual’s qualities, and we also test a new hypothesis about the gut microbiome as a mechanism explaining the long-term effects of early-life environment,” says Associate Professor Suvi Ruuskanen from the Ģ��ֱ��. “The purpose is also to investigate the genetic background of gut microbiome variation, and a large comparative research project explores whether similar connections between the gut microbiome and physiology can be found across species.”  

In addition, Ruuskanen studies little known molecular mechanisms in the interaction between the gut microbiome and the host organism, such as the role of bacterial vesicles.  

“The research results will answer the fundamental question of what explains differences between individuals,” Ruuskanen clarifies.  

Temperature as a key factor 

A pivotal environmental factor in this research is temperature, as its variation is in common to all organisms. We know, for example, that towards polar regions cold tolerance is directly linked to the survival of organisms. 

“In model organisms, such as rodents, it has been observed that short-term changes in the gut microbiome have a direct impact on individuals’ cold tolerance by affecting their energy metabolism and thermoregulation. Nonetheless, we do not yet know how universal this phenomenon is or what mechanisms it involves.”  

Therefore, the issue is now being approached on multiple levels and using wild birds as research targets.  

Samples collected across Europe 

The project applies experimental methods that are rarely used in ecological research, such as gut microbe transplants within and between populations. In addition, in collaboration with project partners new microbiome data analysis methods will be developed.  

“In the comparative analysis, we will draw on a large collaborator network in collecting the microbiome samples across Europe,” Ruuskanen explains. “The comparative research may also reveal new kinds of microbe groups associated with individuals’ thermal tolerance.”  

ERC funding is one of the most highly regarded in Europe. Consolidator Grant funding is awarded to researchers at the middle stages of their careers. In addition to a high scientific standard, the applications are expected to provide science with new perspectives. 

Further information: 

• Research team website: /en/research-groups/environmental-physiology-lab