Objective What is the relation between the intestinal microflora and the brain in the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease? A functional relation between the intestinal microflora (microbiota) and the brain, referred to as the “microbiota-gut-brain axis”, was hypothesized more than 100 years ago but only recently has been re-evaluated becoming a new, exciting hypothesis in neuroscience. We have the proof that aging, bad alimentary habits, poor food quality and stress can affect our intestinal microbiota: the impact of this modification on brain functionality has been observed but the absence of suitable research tools does not allow verifying this research hypothesis. My aim is to overcome this limitation through a bioengineering approach: I will develop the first microbiota-gut-brain platform relying on three miniaturized microfluidic compartments, representing in vitro the most important features of microbiota-brain interaction. Once validated, my platform will be challenged in healthy and neurodegenerative scenarios by using human complete microbiota. MINERVA has a ground breaking potential: the proof of a causal link between intestinal microbiota and brain functionality would completely change the actual scenario, shifting the investigation of neurodegenerative disorders causes from the brain to the body periphery. MINERVA is a high gain project: if its vision succeeds, neurodegenerative disorders will benefit from new, cost effective, low invasive preventative and therapeutic strategies based on microbiota management by food ingredient and probiotics with an enormous beneficial impact worldwide. MINERVA will provide a versatile platform that will overcome the strong limitations arising from the current in vivo models and standard in vitro tools: by changing cell type or culturing conditions, it could address microbiota impact not only on neurodegenerative disorders, but also on other severe other-than-nervous pathologies. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologydementiaalzheimermedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyparkinson Keywords 3D cell culture hydrogels intestinal microflora brain multi-organ platform in vitro Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2016-COG - ERC Consolidator Grant Call for proposal ERC-2016-COG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant Coordinator POLITECNICO DI MILANO Net EU contribution € 1 999 194,00 Address Piazza leonardo da vinci 32 20133 Milano Italy See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all POLITECNICO DI MILANO Italy Net EU contribution € 1 999 194,00 Address Piazza leonardo da vinci 32 20133 Milano See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
