header-logo
Research Bench Lab
Microbiology & Immunology

Kirby Laboratory

Location
Microbiology & Immunology
BSB B2410

General Interests
Bacterial Signal Transduction, Microbial Communities, Predator-Prey Dynamics, Xenobiotic Disruption of Microbiomes

View John R. Kirby Bio
Kirby Lab 2019_Intro Component
Kirby_image_research

Research Areas

Microbiome
 We are examining the role of xenobiotics for their capacity to disrupt the gut microbiota with deleterious consequences on host physiology and metabolism. Disease models used in the lab are a salt-sensitive rat model for hypertension, a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, and a mouse model of obesity induced by the second-generation antipsychotic risperidone. We perform physiological measurements related to each disease model, fecal material transfers to establish a causal link between the microbiota and disease, and 16S rDNA and metagenomic sequencing to analyze taxonomic and functional composition of the microbiota. Metagenomic analyses allow us to identify and test candidate probiotic strains of bacteria with specific metabolic features that influence the progression of disease. We have filed a patent (US 2020/0016124 A1) based on our work leading to reduction of weight gain and are in discussions to create a startup company.

Predator-Prey Interactions
The above work is a direct product of our understanding of bacterial interactions between Myxococcus xanthus and Bacillus subtilis as a model for microbial predator-prey interactions. Our primary goal is to assess the role of specialized metabolites produced by both the predator and the prey. Detailed molecular mechanisms for predator-prey interactions in vitro provide insights into gut-based systems in rodents and humans. 

Current Members

headshot

Susanne Mueller, PhD

Research Scientist, Kirby Lab

sumueller@mcw.edu

headshot

Fatima Aboulalazm

Graduate Student

faboulalazm@mcw.edu

headshot

Lexi Kazen

Graduate School

akazen@mcw.edu

headshot

Tyler Laib

Graduate Student

tlaib@mcw.edu

headshot

Colin McAllister

Graduate Student

cmcallister@mcw.edu

Recent Publications

Publications of John Kirby PhD from the Faculty Collaboration Database

© 2025 Medical College of Wisconsin.  All rights reserved.  | Terms and Privacy | Web Accessibility Statement

Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Legal Compliance Statement
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, military status, or other legally protected classification. MCW maintains full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in pursuit of our missions. Consistent with federal guidance, we affirm our commitment to individual merit, fairness, and equal treatment in all aspects of academic and institutional decision-making.

MCW's policies, federal and state laws, and regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employees, learners, students, applicants, or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.