Jacobs Lab

A translational approach to study the role of the intestinal microbiome in human disease

Transforming Health Through Microbiome Science

The Jacobs Lab investigates how the intestinal microbiome influences human health and disease, with a focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, and related disorders. By combining clinical research, multi-omics technologies, and advanced microbiome models, the lab seeks to uncover the mechanisms linking microbes and disease and translate these discoveries into better diagnostics and therapies for patients.

We perform W16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics of samples as well as other services related to microbiome studies.

More about our microbiome core services

Our team includes clinical investigators, researchers, clinical and research fellows, and students.

Meet the people behind the science

Dr. Jacobs has published over 140 original research articles and reviews in scientific journals.

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2026 AGA Research Foundation awardee

Dr. Jonathan P. Jacobs was named a 2026 AGA Research Foundation awardee.The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation awards more than $2 million annually to support innovative research and advance discoveries in gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Jacobs, associate professor, received an AGA Pilot Research Award, which supports investigators pursuing novel and promising research directions.

View list of 2026 awardees

Researchers find a link between gut bacteria and genes in colitis flare-ups

“This study is helpful in demonstrating a specific example — a genetic variant and a microbial signal — that leads to inflammation,” said Dr. Jonathan Jacobs. “That’s exciting,” he said, because it offers a clear mechanism that ties together many of the risk factors scientists have long observed in inflammatory bowel disease.

Read LA Times article

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