About
Background
Recent litterature highlights the key role of the gastrointestinal tract and its associated microbiota in human and animal nutrition and health. Notably, the effects of nutrients, drugs and food pollutants are strongly influenced by their interactions with the gut microbiota. Clinical trials remain limited and costly, and translation of data obtained from animals to humans hampered by differences in diet, digestive physiology and resident microbiota.
Objectives
In line with the 3R European rules that claim the limitation of animal use for research purposes and the development of in vitro alternative strategies, the goal of the CA23110 INFOGUT COST action is to bring together academic experts, industrial partners and regulatory agencies to harmonise, optimise and disseminate in vitro models that replicate human or animal intestinal microbiota.
Expected results
The new COST action will address the lack of technical, scientific and regulatory knowledge on in vitro models simulating gut microbiota mediated interactions by providing harmonised and robust experimental protocols. Review papers and guidelines will be supplied to extend the potential of in vitro systems to the entire digestive tract and diseased situations. The new models will help to better understand the fate of bioactive compounds in the human and animal digestive tract, taking into account complex interactions with resident microbiota and host cells. Innovative educational tools will be offered to train young researchers and disseminate towards society and regulatory agencies.