Dr Anne Mccartney

Biography

Dr. Anne McCartney is currently working as a Associate Professor in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading , United Kingdom. Responsibilities: Senior Tutor One of six staff members in the Food Microbial Sciences Unit. Head of Microbial Ecology and Health Research Group (established 2006; currently includes 3 PhD students, 1 post-doctoral researcher and 2 visiting scientists). Areas of Interest: The human gut microbiota, with particular interests in paediatric microbial ecology and the interactions between the host and the gut bacteria (in health and disease). My research group is actively investigating the microbial ecology of human infants, the gut microbiota associated with autistic spectrum disorders and dietary strategies to improve the quality of life of these individuals (for example, by minimizing gut dysfunction). I am also interested in the importance and impact of diet on the gastrointestinal ecosystem and the host in general, including the application of functional foods (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics). I have a growing interest in the impact of different medications on the gastrointestinal ecosystem (including anti-obesity or weight-loss therapies and medications used in psychological or behaviour-related treatments). My research group is also involved in studies of the faecal microbiota of cats and dogs, with the aim of improving their gut health (especially in relation to inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhoea). Recent and Ongoing Projects: Examination of the diversity of members of the Coriobacteriaceae associated with the human gastrointestinal microbiota. Microbial diversity and metabonomics of the human caecum in health and disease Improved recovery of bacteriophage populations associated with the human gastrointestinal tract. Investigation of the effect of orlistat, an anti-obesity therapy, on the gastrointestinal microbiota. Determination of prevalence and diversity of lipase-positive bacteria present in the human faecal microbiota. Investigation into the biological succession of the infant faecal microbiota. In vitro examination of the effect of a probiotic Bacillus on population dynamics of the human faecal microbiota. Characterization of aerobic bacilli isolated from human faecal samples. Molecular-based characterization of the faecal microbiota of kittens, adult cats and geriatric cats. In vivo assessment of the effects of probiotic administration on gastrointestinal function and the faecal microbiota in children with autistic spectrum disorder. Investigations into the metabolism of tryptophan by members of the gastrointestinal microbiota.  

Research Interest

Areas of Interest: The human gut microbiota, with particular interests in paediatric microbial ecology and the interactions between the host and the gut bacteria (in health and disease). My research group is actively investigating the microbial ecology of human infants, the gut microbiota associated with autistic spectrum disorders and dietary strategies to improve the quality of life of these individuals (for example, by minimizing gut dysfunction). I am also interested in the importance and impact of diet on the gastrointestinal ecosystem and the host in general, including the application of functional foods (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics). I have a growing interest in the impact of different medications on the gastrointestinal ecosystem (including anti-obesity or weight-loss therapies and medications used in psychological or behaviour-related treatments). My research group is also involved in studies of the faecal microbiota of cats and dogs, with the aim of improving their gut health (especially in relation to inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhoea).