Objective The mucosal surfaces of the human stomach and gut are in constant contact with bacteria and viruses. This encompasses the often mutually beneficial relationships with commensals as well as encounters with pathogens. The study of host-microbe interactions is hampered by a lack of suitable model systems: many bacteria or viruses cannot be cultured or existing models do not sufficiently recount the human disease. This project aims at the development of new in vitro models and the subsequent characterization of the host response to three microorganisms: the carcinogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the most common cause for non-bacterial gastroenteritis, Norovirus, and the commensal Small Filamentous Bacteria. A culture system that was recently developed in lab of Dr. Clevers will be used in which adult stem cells give rise to three-dimensional structures (‘organoids’) resembling mature, polarized epithelium of the stomach, small intestine and colon. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cells Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator KONINKLIJKE NEDERLANDSE AKADEMIE VAN WETENSCHAPPEN - KNAW Address Kloveniersburgwal 29 het trippenhuis 1011 JV Amsterdam Netherlands See on map Region West-Nederland Noord-Holland Groot-Amsterdam Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Don Van Velzen Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data