Microbiome Influence on Energy Balance and Brain Development-Function Put into Action to Tackle Diet-Related Diseases and Behavior-MyNewGut. 7FP. Grant agreement ID: 613979; 2013-2018. Coordinator: Prof. Yolanda Sanz
MyNewGut investigates the role of the interactions between the gut microbiota and the lifestyle in energy balance and brain development and function via immune, neural and endocrine routes. The ultimate aim is to accelerate the translation of this knowledge into practical solutions to tackle more effectively metabolic and mental disorders linked to diet and stress. Specifically this project focuses on obesity and the associated cardio-metabolic (metabolic syndrome, diabetes, etc.) and mental (eating behavioural and mood disorders, like depression) comorbidities, which constitute leading causes of morbidity and disability, for which effective preventive strategies have barely been developed.
Objectives
The overall goal of MyNewGut is to progress in the development of microbiome-based dietary strategies to reduce the socioeconomic burden of obesity and chronic-metabolic and mental disorders linked to unhealthy diets and stress.
Strategy
The specific objectives of MyNewGut are to determine:
- Role of the gut microbiome in nutrient metabolism and energy balance
- Influence of composite lifestyle factors on the gut microbiome and its role in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders during critical stages of life.
- Influence of lifestyle factors on the gut microbiome and its role in brain development and function during pregnancy and early postnatal life
- Development of new food prototypes and ingredients targeting the gut microbiome to reduce the risks and consequences of metabolic and stress-related disorders
- Contribute to developing new dietary recommendations and to informing EU policies to improve the EU’s position in the prevention of diet- and behavioral disorders
Impact
Overweight affects greater than 50% of the EU population and contributes to the development of chronic metabolic (type-2 diabetes [T2D]) and cardiovascular (CVD) and mood disorders, which are the leading cause of morbidity and disability worldwide. Dietary habits and psychosocial stress are robust determinants of these disorders, but effective preventive strategies are lacking. In this context, MyNewGut has provided important scientific and societal benefits:
- Improved understanding of the role played by the gut microbiome role in the functioning of different organs and systems involved in metabolic and mental health, including the so-called gut-brain axis that regulates food intake control and mood
- Microbiome-directed ingredients/foods with proven effectiveness in preventing CVD and stress-related disorders
- Intestinal bacteria for tackling metabolic and mood disorders for further exploitation
- Scientific knowledge to ground future dietary and lifestyle recommendations that inform policies and empower people to achieve better control of their own health