Abstract
Increasing global urbanization is linked to specific physical and mental health issues that are facilitated by urban stressors, such as air and noise pollution. Recent studies also show a connection between urbanization and changes in the human microbial communities collectively called the microbiome. While several urban stressors have been suggested to alter the human microbiome, the data to determine their specific effects on the microbial communities and human health is still lacking.
In this project, we aim to investigate how specific urban stressors negatively impact the human respiratory microbial communities. Furthermore, we aim to understand which pathways related to inflammation and microbe-host interactions are involved. To achieve these goals, we will implement a combination of bioinformatic methods, human trials and in vitro microbial and cell culturing techniques.
First, we will investigate the association between different types of urban stressors and the human respiratory microbiome based on several case studies. Second, we will map the microbiome and related physiological changes in the human respiratory tract following a move from a rural to an urban setting. Finally, we aim to unravel the host signaling pathways responsible for the effects of the microbiome in combination with urban stressors.
The results of this project will generate scientific impact through knowledge on the immunological and other mechanisms that facilitate the negative impact of urban stressors on human health through microbiome changes. Ultimately, this will lead to the development of health-promoting strategies that will benefit a range of population groups in urban settings.
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