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H2020Doctoral network2019–2023

SWEET CROSSTALK · Training interdisciplinary glycoscientists to get a molecular-level grip on glycocodes at the human mucosa–microbiota interface

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2019-01-01 → 2023-06-30
EU contribution
€4,117,675
Participants
14
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Training interdisciplinary glycoscientists to get a molecular-level grip on glycocodes at the human mucosa–microbiota interface

Sweet Crosstalk, a European Training Network, focuses on the role of sugar molecules in the interaction between our gut and commensal bacteria, exploring implications for human health. This multidisciplinary network, consisting of 7 academic partners and 4 SME companies, merges excellence in fields like chemistry and microbiology, providing a holistic approach from fundamental insight to innovative applications. It has trained 15 Early Stage Researchers in interdisciplinary glycoscience and human microbiome research. Humans coexist with mucosal microbiota, essential for health, aiding in nutrient synthesis and immune system modulation. Understanding the molecules driving microbiota–host interactions is crucial, with sugar molecules being pivotal in modulating these interactions. Sweet Crosstalk aims to unravel the role of these molecules, aspiring to develop “glycotechnologies” for improving human health through potential leads for novel diagnostics and therapeutics. Concluded in June 2023, the project was segmented into three work packages, each focusing on different facets of glycoscience research. WP1 synthesized chemical probes for studying bacterial glycan utilization. WP2 provided insights crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies by analyzing microbial cell envelope glycans. WP3 investigated the relationships between various glycans and their impacts on human health. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project facilitated the training of researchers and resulted in numerous scientific papers and presentations. In conclusion, Sweet Crosstalk has successfully advanced the understanding of glycans and their significant roles in human health and disease.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Sweet Crosstalk is a multidisciplinary European Training Network built to address the challenge of understanding, at a molecular level, how glycans are involved at the human mucosa–microbiota interface, and how this correlates with human well-being. Research into the human microbiome has reshaped the paradigm of our health and disease. In order to advance further, the time has arrived to understand it at a molecular level. Glycans dominate the microbiota-host interface and are thus ideally positioned to modulate these complex interactions.The research strategy of the Sweet Crosstalk programme focuses on optimal synergy between chemistry and biology. Smart chemistry drives the research to get a molecular-level grip on the role of these glycocodes and their interacting proteins, and advances in biology directs the research. The high quality and credibility of our consortium is ensured by a strong private-public partnership with complementary expertise ranging from chemical synthesis, biochemistry, structural biology to microbiology and cell biology. Our 7 academic groups are all renowned leaders in the glycoscience and microbiome fields, whereas the complementary 4 SMEs are specialized in glycan-based diagnostics and prophylactic therapies. This unique combination of scientific excellence and industry know-how covers the entire process from obtaining fundamental insight to the development of innovative early diagnostics and glycotherapeutics.Sweet Crosstalk also represents a unique research platform to train 15 outstanding Early Stage Researchers to be the new generation of innovative scientists with expert knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary glycoscience and human microbiome research. Our international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary training programme will equip them with the necessary scientific and transferable skills that will make them highly competitive for both top European research institutions and the healthcare/biotech job market.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union