Objective
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in human health, especially through the gut–brain axis—a communication network between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the nervous system. This link involves the vagus nerve, immune system, and metabolites produced by gut bacteria. A group of microbes called psychobiotics may positively influence brain function. However, identifying these microbes and understanding how they affect the nervous system remains a challenge due to the lack of suitable human-based models.
This project aims to develop a bioelectronic in-vitro model of the human gut–brain axis that can screen psychobiotic bacteria and monitor how they influence biological communication. The first step involves creating a gut-lining model using human-derived cells that form a realistic intestinal barrier, including key cells involved in signaling to the nervous system. The model’s structure and function will be assessed using methods that monitor barrier integrity and cellular responses. Next, defined bacterial strains and fecal-derived communities will be introduced into the system under gut-like, low-oxygen conditions. Their impact on epithelial health and signaling will be analyzed through real-time monitoring of redox and electrical changes. This step will identify bacteria that produce beneficial compounds and influence local gut environments. Electrochemical sensors will allow label-free, real-time tracking of changes in tissue health and bacterial activity. Finally, neuron-like and immune cells will be added to the model to simulate how gut signals influence neural activity and immune responses. This fully integrated system will offer a human-relevant platform for understanding microbiome–host interactions in health and disease. It will also help reveal how psychobiotic microbes affect the gut–brain connection and support the development of microbiome-based therapies for gastrointestinal, neurological, and psychological conditions.
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
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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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.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
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.