For Scientists

Objectives

Our key aim is to investigating the human microbiome to identify predictors and mechanisms associated with the development of decompensation and progression to acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and death. This will result in better stratification of cirrhotic patients enabling microbiome-based intelligent and personalized allocation to treatment, and ultimately prevent ACLF and reduce mortality. Our identified microbiome-based markers will be validated in a clinical trial and translated into three new clinical tests useful for patients. The entire MICROB-PREDICT consortium unites the expertise from 22 different European partners, including hospitals, research foundations and institutes, patient and physician associations, and small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to accomplish the following objectives:

• To understand in depth and to better explain the interaction of human microbiome with host and medication, as well as their exact contribution to the development of decompensation and ACLF, and thereby to provide important foundations for the development of future prevention and treatment strategies modifying the microbiome and host co-factors.
• To validate the biomarkers and develop (a) novel microbiome-based nanobiosensors connected to smartphones and other easy-to-use tools for end-users of such markers and (b) treatment approaches modifying the microbiome and host co-factors.
• To identify major taxonomic and functional microbial traits and their interaction with the host, which are associated with the development of decompensated cirrhosis and progression to ACLF.
• To use these tools in the clinical trial of MICROB-PREDICT to personalize treatments, improve the treatment response to approaches modifying the microbiome and host co-factors, and reduce the mortality rate.
• To thereby decrease the individual, social and healthcare burden caused by decompensated cirrhosis and ACLF.