The NWO website reports that a total of 84 applications were processed in this M round (package 24-2), of which 60 were M-1 applications and 24 were M-2 applications. The ENW board has decided to award four M-2 applications and seventeen M-1 applications. Below we highlight the projects of a number of members. For an overview of all projects, see the website.

Tracking mucus munching bacteria – Zach Armstrong (LEI, NVBMB member)

Mucus provides an essential barrier between the gut microbiome and cells that line the intestines. This barrier is depleted in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. One hurdle to understanding mucus-microbiome interactions is the lack of chemical tools to monitor mucus degradation. We will generate a new class of chemical tools targeting enzymes fundamental to mucin degradation – carbohydrate sulfatases. These tools will reveal fundamental insight into the mechanism and action of carbohydrate sulfatases and will in the future enable detection of sulfatase activity in biopsies and animal models of colitis, furthering our understanding of mucus degradation in gut diseases. 

Studying proteins @ work in cells using magnetic resonance – Marc Baldus (UU, KNCV member)

In all cells, proteins are essential building blocks that are needed to execute and change cellular functioning. For a long time, it has been known that many proteins can change their conformation but if and how this occurs inside the cell has been difficult to follow. This project will develop a Magnetic resonance (NMR) -based approach to directly probe at atomic scale how dynamic proteins change conformations during cellular function.

INTENTION: Bioplastic derived micro- and nanoparticles affect the developing intestine of infants. – Hans Bouwmeester (WUR, KNCV member) & Jerry Wells (WUR)

Fossil-fuel plastics are widely used, but bioplastics are seen as a more eco-friendly alternative. However, this may lead to human exposure to bioplastic micro- and nanoparticles (MNPs). Young children are at higher risk, as they are more exposed to MNPs through food and toys, and their intestines are still developing. Their bodies undergo significant changes after weaning, making them more vulnerable. In this study, we will use advanced stem-cell-derived models of the infant intestine to investigate the possible effects of bioplastic MNPs.