The gut-brain axis along aging
The gut microbiota plays an important role in the physiology of the central nervous system and inflammation. Brain-gut communication enables bidirectional modulatory effects between the microbiota and the central nervous system, which might be involved in physiological and pathological events. Changes in the intestinal microbiota during aging show a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, presenting a higher proportion of Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Proteobacteria, and a decrease in Actinobacteria compared to young adults.
We are cultivating and analyzing thousands of bacterias from the Chilean population, in order to find new strains with positive effect over inflammation and aging.
Restoring the gut microbiome for healthy aging
Our research focuses on the search for bacterial consortia with effect over the aging process. Our aim is to restore the intestinal microbiota during aging, converting it into a healthier and more beneficial intestinal microbiota. For the generation of bacterial consortia, we have generated a bank of bacteria isolated from the intestinal microbiota of healthy Chileans with a wide diversity of bacteria strains. Hundreds of these isolated and taxonomically classified bacteria has been evaluated for their probiotic properties and we are currently generating consortia for in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, we are studying the gut microbiota in aged people, trying to correlate changes in their composition associated to the risk to develop brain conditions.
People involved
Related Publications
PUBLICATIONSDataNervous System FxPNS
septiembre 30, 2021
Restricted growth of Schwann cells lacking Cajal bands slows conduction in myelinated nerves.
Court FA, Sherman DL, Pratt T, Garry EM, Ribchester RR, Cottrell DF, Fleetwood-Walker SM, Brophy PJ.
Nature 2004 Sep 9;431(7005):191–5 doi:10.1038/nature02841.
PMID: 15356632
PUBLICATIONSDataPNSNeuroDegeneration
septiembre 30, 2021
Neurons expressing the highest levels of gamma-synuclein are unaffected by targeted inactivation of the gene.
Ninkina N, Papachroni K, Robertson DC, Schmidt O, Delaney L, O'Neill F, Court F, Rosenthal A, Fleetwood-Walker SM, Davies AM, Buchman VL.
Mol Cell Biol. 2003 Nov;23(22):8233-45. doi: 10.1128/MCB.23.22.8233-8245.2003.
PMID: 14585981
PUBLICATIONSDataPNSNeuroDegeneration
septiembre 30, 2021
Wallerian degeneration of injured axons and synapses is delayed by a Ube4b/Nmnat chimeric gene.
Mack TG, Reiner M, Beirowski B, Mi W, Emanuelli M, Wagner D, Thomson D, Gillingwater T, Court F, Conforti L, Fernando FS, Tarlton A, Andressen C, Addicks K, Magni G, Ribchester RR, Perry VH, Coleman MP.
Nat Neurosci. 2001 Dec;4(12):1199-206. doi: 10.1038/nn770.
PMID: 11770485
PUBLICATIONSDataPNSNeuroRegeneration
septiembre 30, 2021
Nerve regeneration in Wld(s) mice is normalized by actinomycin D.
Court F, Alvarez J.
Brain Res. 2000 Jun 9;867(1-2):1-8. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(00)02140-5.
PMID: 10837792
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