Investigating the consequences of birth by Caesarean Section in hypothalamic and Amygdalar neuroVAscular deveLOpmeNt

Early postnatal development is a vulnerable period during which environmental faEarly postnatal development is a vulnerable period during which environmental factors significantly influence brain development. Among these factors, the gut microbiota has been found to impact brain function and development.

However, there is a lack of mechanistic understanding regarding how changes in early-life microbiota composition can lead to brain dysfunction.

Caesarean-section (C-section) delivery, while life-saving in some cases, is becoming more common even when not medically indicated.

This trend raises concerns about the disruption of perinatal microbiota and its potential impact on newborn brain development. My preliminary data showing neurovascular dysfunction in C-section-born neonatal mice support my hypothesis.

Building on this foundation, AVALON aims to investigate the interactions between neonatal microbiota and neurovascular development in the hypothalamus and amygdala at molecular and cellular levels.

I will utilize a C-section mouse model to disrupt early-life microbiota and assess its impact on neurovascular development through in-vivo tracer imaging and integrated multi-omics analysis. Additionally, I will use a reporter mouse line to trace amygdalar and hypothalamic neuronal populations. I will also identify key microbial functions that modulate neurovascular and neuronal development.

Furthermore, I will explore the potential of precision probiotics to mitigate microbiota-induced deficits, offering valuable translational insights.

AVALON will significantly contribute to my career by providing training in both academia and industry, enhancing my research skills, and expanding my professional network.

To ensure broad awareness of AVALON's outcomes, a dissemination strategy will be implemented, targeting scientific, public, and industry audiences. The strategy will aim to underscore the critical role of perinatal microbiota in shaping postnatal brain development.