Descripción del proyecto
Un nuevo posbiótico para el tratamiento de la inflamación intestinal
La membrana mucosa intestinal separa físicamente el lumen del epitelio intestinal y sirve como primera línea de defensa contra la infiltración microbiana. La disfunción de esta membrana provoca una inflamación que puede conducir a un síndrome metabólico y una enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. El equipo del proyecto MicroTher, financiado con fondos europeos, está trabajando en un posbiótico de indol-3-aldehído (3-IAld) utilizando como base los resultados de un proyecto anterior, FUNMETA. El 3-IAld es un metabolito de triptófano de origen microbiano que ha demostrado ser capaz de reparar el epitelio intestinal dañado en modelos animales. En MicroTher se está investigando la posibilidad de utilizar este compuesto como tratamiento clínico de la disfunción de la barrera epitelial que provoca el síndrome metabólico y la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.
Objetivo
The rapid increase in the prevalence of diseases caused by the disruption of the intestinal epithelium, also known as leaky gut syndrome, is a global cause for concern. Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), two disease indications that occur as a result of a compromised intestinal mucosal membrane, collectively effect over 235 million people globally. In a healthy gut, the epithelial lining is tightly aligned to form a structurally robust barrier between the outside and the inside of the body. When this lining is compromised, immunogenic compounds such as bacterial endotoxins can infiltrate the body, causing systemic and local inflammation, resulting in diseases such as MetSyn and IBS. Through our ERC Advanced project FUNMETA, we have identified the ‘postbiotic’ molecule, indole-3-aldehyde (IAld), to be critical in the maintenance and restoration of intestinal epithelial integrity. Preliminary data already indicates the ability of IAld to repair damaged intestinal epithelium and to modulate symptoms of MetSyn and IBS in animal models. As these two indications are not only burdened by high prevalence rates, but also by ineffective or expensive treatments, there is strong potential in the clinical adoption of IAld. Therefore, the main aim of MicroTher is to further assess the clinical and commercial feasibility of IAld as a pharmaceutical agent.
Ámbito científico
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantInstitución de acogida
06123 Perugia
Italia