The environmental factors of our modern world, such as Western diet and stress, favor the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the central nervous system. These risk factors can directly affect the target organs: stress - the brain, diet - the gut. However, this interaction is bilateral. Thus, diet can affect brain plasticity, while stress can determine gut health. This interaction is known as the gut-brain axis and is one of the most relevant targets for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Recent research indicates that one of the most important regulators of this axis is the gut microbiota, in particular its composition and metabolites. In addition, the enteric nervous system, which is autonomously active and closely interacts with gut microbiota, plays an important role.
The research focus of our group is to elucidate: (1) the mechanisms of diet-associated changes in the plasticity of the central and enteric nervous systems; (2) the effects of stress on gut microbiota composition, enteric nervous system and gut health status; (3) the role of the enteric nervous system in inflammatory bowel disease. We use both in vitro and in vivo studies to identify the molecular mechanisms of this relationship and to provide a scientific basis for nutritional studies in humans.
Funding: DFG (GU 1521/4-1)
