2022 Funded projects

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disorder of the gut-brain interactions diagnosed in gastroenterology in children and adults. In addition to the increased bowel reactions such as cramps and diarrhea, pain receptors seem to be more sensitive. Gut microbiota alterations are considered a vital factor in IBS pathophysiology. Recent study’s point towards sympathetic neurons in the supra-mesenteric ganglion are being modulated by the gut microbiota.

Conception, gestation, and lactation are critical periodsfor human development. The exposure to unhealthy dietary patterns, excessweight gain and other environmental factors results in a higher risk ofpregnancy complications affecting both mothers and infants. The microbiotamediates many risks and that in some circumstances, its manipulation might havea protective effect. The direct microbiota–host interactions and microbiotafunctionality warrant further research, especially in different environmental(diet) and disease (gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) contexts.

Food allergies are a major health burden globally1. There iscurrently no cure so management relies on allergen avoidance, which causessignificantly reduced quality of life. Progress has been hampered by a limitedunderstanding of the immune mechanisms that drive the transition from allergyto remission. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) shows promise but has major drawbacks. Treatmentsthat induce lasting remission with fewer side effects are needed.

The microbiome of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) is characterized by expansion of ‘aggressive’ Proteobacteria and E. coli, relative to depleted ‘protective’ Firmicutes. E. coli strains that adhere to and invade epithelial cells and replicate in macrophages in vitro (AIEC), have been isolated from 21-63% of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). However, as E.coli, including AIEC, is also linked to protective immunity, it is considered a symbiont and opportunistic pathogen.