Project description
Restoring the gut-brain axis: novel therapeutic approach for irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterised by recurring abdominal pain and discomfort that negatively affects a person's quality of life. Funded by the European Research Council, the RESILIENCE project will work under the hypothesis that IBS is linked to a malfunctioning of the brain-gut communication axis. The project proposes to address the imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system through transcutaneous electrical vagus nerve stimulation. To assist in identifying IBS patients suitable for this treatment, the study team aims to develop a neural signature using biometrics and neuroimaging. The study has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of IBS and other pain disorders, providing personalised and effective therapies.
Objective
Common colloquial phrases like ‘gut feeling’ or ‘butterflies in my belly’ are not just idioms but reflect on the unique communication between gut and brain. The principal interface for this interaction is the autonomic nervous system — a largely subconscious system that manages bodily functions through a delicate balance between its two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The vagus nerve is the main component of the latter. Diminished vagal tone resulting in increased sensitivity to pain is characteristic for many chronic pain disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People with IBS have frequent and often severe abdominal pain. While its etiology remains poorly understood, IBS is now assumed to be caused by a malfunctioning of the gut–brain axis, often manifesting in sympathetico–vagal disbalance. However, no established therapies currently target this neurological disturbance. I hypothesize that restoring the sympathico–vagal disbalance through autonomic neuromodulation can be an important novel therapeutic target in IBS. To achieve this, I will use transcutaneous electrical vagus nerve stimulation via the auricular nerve. I will also develop a novel multimodal ‘vagal-autonomic neurosignature’ through combining actively and passively recorded biometrics and high-power field neuroimaging. This profile will allow identification of patients who could benefit from the new treatment approach. Simultaneously, I will investigate mechanisms of action in a comprehensive manner, using experimental models and tools I have previously developed. My project is foreseen to fundamentally change the therapeutic landscape of IBS and other pain disorders by providing high-quality clinical and mechanistic evidence for the efficacy of vagal neuromodulation. Identifying a neurological signature of patients that likely benefit from this approach would represent a major break-through in individualizing therapeutic efforts in IBS.
Keywords
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-STG
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6200 MD Maastricht
Netherlands
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