Revision as of 17:31, 4 October 2018

A GIFT FROM YOUR GUT

TO YOUR WELL BEING

it all starts

in your

BRAIN

The brain is a complex organ that is part of the Central Nervous System (CNS). It could be defined as the one in charge of controlling and regulating most functions of the body and mind. From vital functions such as breathing or heartbeat, through sleep, hunger or thirst to higher functions.

There is a strong connection between the brain and the intestinal microbiota.

In the intestine live bacteria that play key roles for humans, such as protection against pathogens, help digestion, control the nervous system and even affect our mood.

A microorganism that has been shown to be beneficial to humans is Lactobacillus rhamnosus, since it has probiotic effects that contribute to the well-being of people.

It is known that stress in an organism can generate inflammation, which leads to the development of a depressive or anxious disorder. This is because the stress in the body causes inflammation, which produces a molecule that instructs the brain to make the person feel depressed or anxious.

We aim to generate a microorganism that is capable of blocking the signaling produced by stress and inflammation in the body.

To achieve this, we will first use E. coli as a model organism due to its simplicity and ease of manipulation.

Our final product will be a psychobiotic, a microorganism capable of sensing stress and respond by producing a therapeutic molecule to minimize the adverse effects of inflammation, and the symptoms of depressive disorders.