Dr. Aicha Kriaa

Biography

Aicha Kriaa is a microbiologist with a strong background in biochemistry. She holds a PhD in biology from the University of Sfax in Tunisia and the University of Paris-Saclay in France. Her PhD project focused on investigating the contribution of distinct luminal proteases in the gut microbiome and their overall proteolytic activity's role in intestinal homeostasis. Throughout her doctoral research, Aicha contributed significantly to identifying key proteolytic gut microbes that determine species-specific patterns in healthy patients and those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Her key achievements include providing an overview of the proteolytic repertoire of gut species, biochemical characterization of select gut serine microbial proteases, and in vivo validation of their effects. After completing her PhD, Aicha transitioned to scientific project management within European Coordination Support Actions, particularly in the Human Microbiome Action and Microbiome Support projects, which cover the microbiome in a broad context. Currently, she is engaged in postdoctoral research under the 'Excellence Choice' program in the UCMR, collaborating with PIs Björn Schröder and Ulrika Westerlind. Aicha's research primarily investigates the role of gut bacteria in degrading the intestinal mucosal barrier, with a specific focus on the protective mucus layer that is often defective in IBD patients.

Research Interests