Synthetically Tuned Gut-Brain-Axis Communication
Abstract
The connection between the microbiome and the body’s central nervous system hasbecome increasingly clear in recent years. Many studies of this link, referred to as the “Gut- Brain-Axis” (GBA), point to the impact of the body s microbial ecosystem on host health and behavior including conditions such as obesity, anxiety, and depression. These conditions directly impact warfighter performance, and an ability to optimize the GBA would potentially allow increases in human performance. Of particular interest is discovering the fundamental nature of the signaling between microbes and the nervous system. Discovering these signaling motifs and networks, along with their optimal function, would create a foundation for future applications geared toward altering the microbiome for personalized medicine and enhanced health. Here, the PI propose to explore fundamental signaling behaviors between microbes and neurons that are likely to exist in nature and impact the GBA. To this end, he will create an innervated organ-on- a-chip model system consisting of engineered microbes that will communicate directly with an innervated gut containing epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and engineered neurons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 28, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810262
Entities
People
- Warren C Ruder
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Pittsburgh