Junior Research Group Herz
Microbiome–Host Interactions in Health and Disease
Group Leader: Dr. rer. nat. Dr. med. Michaela Herz, M.Sc.
Research Interest
Our research investigates the human gut microbiome (bacteria and archaea) and mycobiome (fungi) and their role in health and disease. We combine 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing and metagenomics with clinical data and biostatistical modeling to understand how microbial communities influence therapy response and disease progression. Our translational microbiome research spans multiple disease contexts, including hematologic malignancies, liver transplantation, celiac disease, and glioblastoma.
A defining feature of our work is the spatial analysis of microbial communities. Using CLASI-FISH (combinatorial labeling and spectral imaging fluorescence in situ hybridization), we visualize the spatial organization and microbial biogeography of complex communities at single-cell resolution. Building on our findings of structured microbial arrangements in the murine intestine, we are now extending this approach to human tissues, including intestinal biopsies. In parallel, we are establishing intestinal epithelial co-culture systems with defined microbial consortia to study host–microbe interactions and epithelial barrier function under controlled conditions. Ultimately, we want to understand how the spatial architecture of microbial communities relates to their function in the human gut.
Projects
Spatial organization of the duodenal microbiota and epithelial barrier in celiac disease
Characterizing the spatial organization and microbial biogeography of the duodenal microbiota using fluorescence in situ hybridization, and analyzing its functional impact on epithelial barrier integrity in celiac disease. (Cooperation with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie, Hans-Knöll-Institut Jena)
Gut microbiome, microbial metabolites, and CAR-T cell therapy in multiple myeloma
Investigating how the intestinal microbiome and microbial metabolites influence the efficacy of CAR-T cell and antibody-based immunotherapies in multiple myeloma, integrating microbiome–immune interaction data with clinical outcomes. (Cooperation with University Hospital Würzburg)
Bile mycobiome and invasive fungal infections after liver transplantation
Systematic analysis of the risk of invasive fungal infections following liver transplantation, integrating clinical parameters, microbiological diagnostics, and bile microbiome and mycobiome composition. (Cooperation with University Hospital Heidelberg)
Lab members
Karolina Achtelik: MD student
Tamara Kreutz: MD student
Edda Losch: MD student
Nicolas Mußler: MD student
Luca Sieberg: MD student
Publications
Anderson PM, Frank T, Herz M, Kurzai O, Rudert M, Heinz T, Lâm TT.
Qualitative Comparison of Cultured Skin Microbiota From the Inguinal Region of Obese and Nonobese Patients Eligible for Hip Arthroplasty.
Arthroplasty Today. 2024 Dec; 30: DOI: 10.1016/j.artd.2024.101483
Yuu EY, Bührer C, Eckmanns T, Fulde M, Herz M, Kurzai O, Lindstedt C, Panagiotou G, Piro VC, Radonic A, Renard BY, Reuss A, Siliceo SL, Thielemann N, Thürmer A, Vorst KV, Wieler LH, Haller S.
The gut microbiome, resistome, and mycobiome in preterm newborn infants and mouse pups: lack of lasting effects by antimicrobial therapy or probiotic prophylaxis.
Gut Pathog. 2024 May 12;16(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s13099-024-00616-w
Herz M, Zarowiecki M, Wessels L, Pätzel K, Herrmann R, Braun C, Holroyd N, Huckvale T, Bergmann M, Spiliotis M, Koziol U, Berriman M, Brehm K.
Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae and germinative cell cultures reveals genes involved in parasite stem cell function.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2024 Jan 25, DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1335946
Thielemann N, Herz M, Kurzai O, Martin R.
Analyzing the human gut mycobiome - A short guide for beginners.
Comput Struct Biotechnol J. 2022 Jan 19; DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.01.008
Aldejohann AM, Herz M, Martin R, Walther G, Kurzai O.
Emergence of resistant Candida glabrata in Germany.
JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2021 Aug 7; DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlab122
Herz M, Brehm K.
Serotonin stimulates Echinococcus multilocularis larval development.
Parasit Vectors. 2021 Jan 6; DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04533-0
Pórfido JL, Herz M, Kiss F, Kamenetzky L, Brehm K, Rosenzvit MC, Córsico B, Franchini GR.
Fatty acid-binding proteins in Echinococcus spp.: the family has grown.
Parasitol Res. 2020 Apr; DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06631-5
Herz M, Brehm K.
Evidence for densovirus integrations into tapeworm genomes.
Parasit Vectors. 2019 Nov 27; DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3820-1
Cooperation Partners
Prof. Marc Thilo Figge (Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie, Hans-Knöll-Institut Jena)
Dr. Sarah Küppers, Dr. Ann-Cathrin Koschker (Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Endokrinologie)
Prof. Maik Luu (Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Zelluläre Immuntherapie)
Prof. Uta Merle (Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Gastroenterologie)
Dr. Jens Puschhof (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum)
Dr. Dr. Conrad Rauber(Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Gastroenterologie)
PD Dr. Michael Schumann (Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Gastroenterologie)
Curriculum vitae
Since 2025: Junior Research Group Leader, Center of Infectiology, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University, Germany
Since 2024: Medical Specialist in Microbiology, Virology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany
2022 – 2025: MSc Medical Biometry/Biostatistics (extra-occupational), Heidelberg University, Germany
2019 – 2024: Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Leader, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany
2019 – 2024: Residency and board certification in Microbiology, Virology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology, University of Würzburg / Bavarian Medical Association, Germany
2016: Research stay, Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
2015 – 2020: Dr. rer. nat., Parasitology/Genomics, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany
2011 – 2016: Dr. med., Parasitology, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany & Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
2010 – 2013: Accompanying studies in Experimental Medicine, University of Würzburg, Germany
2007 – 2014: Studies of Human Medicine, University of Würzburg, Germany