Gut-Brain
We investigate the role of the microbiome in brain development and function as well as in mental health and disease.
We investigate the role of the microbiome in brain development and function as well as in mental health and disease. We are interested in understanding to what extent alterations in the gut microbiome linked to lifestyle pressures (unhealthy diets, psychological stress) contribute to the causal mechanisms underlying mental conditions in infancy and adulthood. We also aim to identify the immune, endocrine and neural mechanisms through which the microbiome signals across the gut-brain axis and influences our behaviour and mental health.
Objectives
Our specific goals are to determine the role and mode of action of the gut microbiome in:
- Stress, depression and physical comorbidities
- Cognitive functions and neurodevelopment
- Alcohol abuse disorders
Impact
Given that mental disorders are a major cause of disability worldwide and represent risk factors for many other physical comorbidities, our studies could provide the basis for:
- Understanding the root causes of mental health and disease through the integration of microbiome and lifestyle data together with classical predictors
- Identifying new molecular targets for early disease diagnosis and management
- Proposing microbiome-based strategies for amelioration or prevention of mental conditions, such as depression, learning disabilities and substance abuse
