Project description
Gut microbiota and binge eating: is there a connection?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time linked with significant emotional distress. BED differs from occasional overeating as it involves regular and persistent binge-eating episodes and can lead to complications such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MicroBED project aims to investigate if BED is associated with alteration in the gut microbiota that may trigger binge eating behaviour. Researchers will particularly investigate the hedonic feeding circuit and if microbial metabolites can mitigate binge eating. Project findings have the potential to lead to novel therapies for BED.
Objective
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a psychiatric disorder with grave health risks. Previous studies have associated alterations of gut microbiota status with BED. However, whether this is a causal relationship, where differences in gut microbiota status promote binge-like eating behavior independent of changes in body weight remains to be explored and forms the central aim of MicroBED. MicroBED will also characterize the influence of gut microbiota on behavioral outcomes relevant to BED via the hedonic feeding circuit. Lastly, MicroBED will explore whether certain microbial metabolites can alleviate binge-like eating behavior. It hypothesizes that gut microbiota influences BED associated behavior by altering activation of the hedonic feeding circuit, via circulating microbial metabolites.
MicroBED will be performed in the Weizmann Institute, one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions. It will be highly interdisciplinary and involve collaboration with renowned neuroscientists and computational biologists. The outcomes of MicroBED could have significant societal impact as it can lead to development of novel therapies for BED. General public, policy makers and scientific audiences will be informed about the outcomes of MicroBED through a multi-pronged dissemination strategy.
MicroBED will also greatly aid my career development by providing world-class training in a multidisciplinary setting. It will enhance my research skills, foster my managerial abilities, and strengthen my professional network. I will also benefit from the high-level training provided by the Feinberg Graduate School, including courses and workshops in technical and soft skills, and by attending international conferences like FENS and SfN. To conclude, MicroBED will provide an important opportunity in my career, that would allow me to acquire critical skills and competencies, that will enable me to transition from an early career scientist to research group leader.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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
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.
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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7610001 Rehovot
Israel
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