Mucus-microbiota interplay along the gut-lung-axis (B05)

• Subject Area: Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431232613

We have developed a procedure for accurate characterization of mucosal hydrogels and their associated microbiota at once in both human and animal samples which we have carefully benchmarked and integrated with our computational systems medicine toolbox. We then tested how this equilibrium changes in the gut under either antibiosis or disruption of host-microbiome communication systems, as well as in relevant disease cohorts. Now, we will extend to larger cohorts, more human-like animal models and further validate causality in gnotobiotic models. Most importantly we will expand scope also to the airway mucosa, addressing the gut-lung axis and clinical/translational applications thereof.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Sofia Forslund-Startceva; Professor Dr. Marcus Fulde; Dr. Laura Schaupp