Team:UCL

The number of microorganisms in human gut is higher than the number of human cells in our body. Their metabolic activity equals that of liver and plays crucial role in many key processes such as digestion, drug metabolism, or functioning of the immune system...
Studies in mice have shown that the gut microbiome is also capable of influencing the chemistry of our brain, thus regulating our behaviour , anxiety , mood , cognition and pain ...
Being inspired by this emerging research area, UCL 2015 team wants to explore the modulation of the gut bacteria as a strategy for developing novel treatments for mental health disorders. Ultimately, our goal is to harness synthetic biology to make people happy!

Mind the Gut: Abstract

Current research suggests that gut microbes secrete neuroactive compounds that act on the gut-brain axis and play an important role in healthy brain function. The UCL iGEM team has developed novel synthetic psychobiotics that mimic these neuromodulatory strategies identified in endogenous intestinal strains.

We have designed safe therapeutic devices that target metabolic pathways for neurochemical biosynthesis. Additionally, we have assessed biocontainment and integrated a sensor detecting mood-related physiological changes in the gut environment.

In any year, mental health conditions affect one in four of us and available small molecule treatments have associated stigma and side effects. We believe that, besides aiding in the better understanding of the communication between gut microbiota and brain, our work will also lay a foundation for novel user-friendly treatments for mental health conditions.

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