Objective
Recent advances in microbiome research have revealed numerous associations between gut bacteria and host health. However, these correlations do not establish causality and provide limited insight into the mechanisms by which specific bacteria influence disease. There is therefore a critical need to uncover underlying bacterial functions through targeted studies. This project focuses on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition marked by chronic intestinal inflammation and disruption of the colonic mucus barrier. Among bacteria linked to IBD are mucin-degraders, which can feed on components of the mucus layer and promote inflammation in gnotobiotic models. One such bacterium, Ruminococcus gnavus, is consistently associated with IBD. Yet its role remains poorly understood, as it is also highly prevalent in the healthy European population (~90%), suggesting that mere presence is not sufficient to drive inflammation. Recent studies and preliminary work from the host lab show that R. gnavus displays substantial genetic and functional diversity across strains, indicating that its pro-inflammatory potential may be strain-dependent and shaped by distinct functional traits. The STRAINGUT project aims to exploit this variability to identify strain-specific functions of R. gnavus that promote inflammation. To this end, a collection of 50 R. gnavus strains will be functionally screened in vitro, followed by in vivo validation of candidate strains in a gnotobiotic model of IBD. This approach will enable the identification of functional markers—which may include specific mucin-degradation processes—that modulate colitis. Their translational relevance will then be assessed using ex vivo human samples and IBD metagenomic datasets. By pinpointing key R. gnavus functions involved in inflammation, STRAINGUT promises to deliver novel mechanistic insights into host–microbiota interactions in IBD and pave the way for innovative strategies to prevent disease in at-risk individuals.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
1445 Strassen
Luxembourg
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.