Decoding microbiota-host interactions that protect metabolic health – MINDMET. Project Ref: PID2023-150693OB-I00 funded by AEI/MCIU and by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), within the Pluri-regional Operational Program of Spain ERDF 2021-2027. PI1: Yolanda Sanz and PI2: Marina Romani-Perez.
Obesity is one of the most visible and pressing public health issues today due to its high prevalence and associated comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes. The gut microbiota is a new biological mediator of the effects of the diet on the host biology, impacting body weight regulation and obesity complications. MINDMET intends to progress in the molecular understanding of host-microbe interactions and generate evidence to delineate precise dietary-microbiome-based solutions for combating obesity and metabolic comorbidities.
Objectives
- Identify the effector molecules and the mode of action of specific intestinal bacteria and the interacting microbial network on macrophages in obesity.
- Identify the active molecules and mode of action of specific intestinal bacteria that drive interactions with the enteric nervous system and govern its effects on feeding behavior and postprandial energy homeostasis.
- Determine the potential efficacy of the selected intestinal bacterium, as a food supplement, on obesity, hyperglycaemia, and insulin resistance in humans.
Impact
- Improving quality of life of patients and at-risk subjects of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.