Objective
Understanding how gut microbiota shapes host physiology is central to biomedicine. Yet current microbiome studies largely infer function from genetic signatures rather than directly measuring biochemical outputs. This limitation becomes critical in interventional settings such as faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in oncology, where donor-to-recipient transfer can alter immune tone in ways not captured by taxonomy alone.
Among key microbial immune modulators are lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria. The ERC StG DEBUGGING-LPS demonstrated that gut microbiota-derived LPS are not chemically equivalent and that specific LPS lipid A structural features dictate pro- or non-inflammatory output. However, this molecular information is not resolved in current microbiome monitoring approaches, limiting interpretation of microbiome-based interventions like FMT.
Building on our validated lipid A profiling workflow and preliminary data in melanoma patients, LPS-Pro will prototype and validate a multiplexed platform for longitudinal lipid A profiling in faecal samples. By enabling chemistry-resolved and decision-oriented monitoring of Gram-negative inflammatory signals, LPS-Pro will contribute to more informed donor selection, more efficient therapy monitoring, and improved risk stratification in melanoma.
To strengthen our science case (A), we will convert the validated lipid A extraction and MALDI-TOF workflow into a multiplexed format; implement internal references and decision criteria to ensure robustness and reproducibility; and use functional immune assays to validate the biological relevance of the lipid A-based readout. To prepare for future use (B), we will consolidate the intellectual property position; analyse the microbiome diagnostics and oncology market; and define the most viable commercialisation route, including licensing, service-based deployment or spin-off creation.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology skin cancer melanoma
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine transplantation
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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
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-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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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) ERC-2026-POC
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80138 Napoli
Italy
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.