Gut microbiota-Neurovascular Interactions in Early Life

ended

The prenatal and early postnatal life are particularly vulnerable phases for brain development, during which essential neurodevelopmental processes occur. One such vital process is the development of the neurovascular unit resulting in the formation of blood brain barrier (BBB), which is the gateway regulating access of the external milieu to the brain. Concomitant with the postnatal BBB development, the maturation of our resident gut microbiota also occurs during this sensitive period of early life. Altered gut microbial composition has been shown to affect BBB function and is increasingly being linked to adverse health outcomes including neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, an exact mechanistic understanding of how this early life alteration in microbiota composition leads to brain dysfunction is not known. The NeuroVascOme project aims to investigate the link between early life microbiota perturbations and neurovascular development, which in turn is crucial for brain homeostasis. And more precisely, how are the different disruptors of microbiome in early life impacting the neurovascular/BBB integrity, thereby predisposing the organism to health deficits in later life. This is especially relevant for our modern-day society wherein early life microbiome disruptions caused by increased stress, antibiotic administration and caesarean delivery methods are widely prevalent. In accordance with the aims of the MSCA fellowships, NeuroVascOme project will greatly aid my career development by providing first rate training in academic and industry settings that will enhance my research skillset, foster my managerial abilities and strengthen my professional network. Additionally, public, industry, and scientific audiences will be informed about the outcomes of the project through a dissemination strategy that will aim to promote the role of early life environment in shaping mental health.