Leah Guthrie is an assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering. Her lab investigates the principles that govern microbial metabolism and signaling in the context of kidney homeostasis and disease using mass spectrometry, chemoinformatics, and molecular biology approaches.
QB3-Berkeley: What’s the focus of your lab’s research?
Leah Guthrie: Our lab focuses on understanding how the microbiome metabolites and proteins communicate with our human cells to influence our physiology and pathophysiology. We aim to uncover how these metabolites are produced and their impact on cell signaling in the kidney. Our long-term goal is to develop strategies for preventing and treating kidney disease through targeted manipulation of the gut microbiota.
QB3: What inspires you and your work?
LG: The human gut hosts trillions of microbes that help break down food into various signaling molecules, impacting our body’s functions. I am inspired to explore and deepen our understanding of how microbes shape our health and to use that knowledge to enhance the quality of life for people with chronic health conditions.
QB3: What advice do you have for trainees who hope to someday start their own labs?
LG:
- Be observant of which aspects of being a scientist energize you and which drain you, and assess ways and the potential to maximize what energizes you, both individually and within the research environment you choose to join.
- Consistently set aside time to think creatively and generate new ideas.
- Schedule time to do nothing.
- Network and build a community with scientists who seem to genuinely enjoy their research lives and learn from their experiences.
QB3: When you’re not in the lab, what do you like to do in your free time?
LG: When I’m not in the lab, one of my favorite things to do is go for a run. I enjoy running longer distances with time to think. Berkeley’s biogeography makes it a great place to explore by running.
QB3: What’s something that you wish someone would ask you about your work?
LG: I would like someone to ask me about the role of the microbiome in preventative health care.