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A novel approach for modelling the human nose-brain axis in vitro

Objective

Olfactory neurons allow circumventing the blood-brain barrier making this route particularly interesting for the non-invasive intranasal treatment of brain diseases (Alzheimer’s Disease). Moreover, commensal nasal microbes present in the respiratory region, the major surface of the nasal cavity, are assumed to induce health-promoting effects via metabolites as the gut or skin microbiome does. These complex nasal host-microbiome interactions are emphasized when considering that olfactory neurons sense bacterial metabolites like odorants and that a loss of smell is associated with an early stage of brain diseases.
Demonstrating the importance of the human nose nose-brain axis its mechanisms are incompletely understood due to the use of currently available over-simplified 2D in vitro as well as animal in vivo models. Animal models provide highly valuable insights into cause-effect relationships, but translation to humans is challenging. Thus, within the Micro-SENSE project, we are proposing to build an advanced bioelectronic 3D model of the human nose-brain axis urgently needed for a better understanding of healthy nose physiology. This 3D bioelectronic platform will connect the recently developed (1) e-Transmembrane device hosting a respiratory nasal organoid and nasal microbes, (2) Microelectrode Arrays with affixed intact olfactory tissue and (3) patch-clamp set-ups for specific olfactory neuron studies. Integrated biocompatible PEDOT:PSS electrodes enable non-invasive monitoring and recording of nasal host-microbiome interactions by measuring epithelial barrier integrity and olfactory neuron firing in real time. PEDOT:PSS scaffolds compartmentalize the e-Transmembrane device for connecting with MEAs and patch-clamp set-ups enabling to study drug and metabolite uptake along the brain axis. Genetic and metabolic profiling of the gender-specific nose model will pave the way for optimized intranasal drug delivery targeting olfactory neurons and the nasal microbiome.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

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Coordinator

FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 172 750,08
Address
VIA MOREGO 30
16163 GENOVA
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Liguria Genova
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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