Interplay of spatiotemporal dynamics and population dynamics of native and engineered bacteria in the gut

Colorectal cancer (CRC), marked by uncontrolled cell growth in the colon and rectum, ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer and cause of related deaths in the US. Recent studies indicate a key role for the gut microbiome in CRC. As part of an interdisciplinary team, we seek to use genetically modified gut bacteria to detect early CRC and possibly influence its progression. For these engineered bacteria to be effective, they must survive, engraft, and proliferate. We use mathematical modeling and utilize the generalized Lotka-Volterra equations to model interactions between engineered and native bacteria and determine conditions for their survival and growth. Linear stability analysis further enhances our understanding of bacterial dynamics, the effects of diverse microbial interactions on bacterial populations, and potential system instabilities. By incorporating spatial variation, diffusion, and advection into our model, we explore the interplay of spatiotemporal dynamics and population dynamics of the native and engineered bacterial populations. Our results offer valuable insights into the survival, spatial distribution, and colonization potential of engineered bacteria, considering growth rate, motility, and interactions between populations.