Molecular View: Gut Microflora Imbalance Damages Cell

We describe what we do as “visualizing the invisible. Making the abstract clear.” 

Most of our work is on the cellular level, but we’ve noticed an increased interest in illustrations on a molecular level. 

Changing magnification level changes the elements in a graphic. 

Cellular level visual:  includes cells on gut wall covered by finger-like projections (villi) and microvilli on cells’ villi surface.

Molecular level visual:  close up of Brush Borders on Microvilli that cover one cell’s surface. Villi not shown.

Our first 3D sample of the gut biome –molecular level, depicting one cell in an out-of-balance gut microbiome due to food poisoning. Unchecked, bacterium Clostridium perfingens damages microvilli the cell’s walls and causes contents to leak.

Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Gut Microbiome Imbalance

Gut Microbiome Imbalance
This illustration is one of three illustrations depicting differences between balance / imbalance in gut “bugs.” It shows a bacterial infection in colon tissue caused by a microbiome imbalance. The imbalance reduces the clear slimy layer (butyrate) covering villi. Without a solid butyrate layer, bacteria invade the exposed tissue between villi. The body’s immune system responds and sends red blood cells, T-cells, and macrophages to the area to fight the pathogens.

The legend inset shows C. difficile and E. coli bacteria along with T-cell and macrophage that respond to infection.

At some point, the illustration may be a starting point for an animation.