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- Microorganisms in endometriosis: Search and validation of biomarkers (IRENE)
- Principal investigator: Signe Altmäe
- Funding source: Ministry of Transformation Economy, Industry, Knowledge and Universities
- Award Number: P20_00158
- Duration: 07/2021 - 06/2023
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- Uterine microbiota in endometriosis: potential biomarkers in disease and outcome in infertility treatment (MENDO)
- Principal investigator: Signe Altmäe
- Funding source: FEDER+UGR
- Award Number: B-CTS-500-UGR18
- Duration: 01/2020 - 12/2021
- Female infertility, uterine receptivity and embryo implantation
- Principal investigator: Signe Altmäe
- Funding source: MINECO
- Award Number: 2016-21199
- Duration: 01/2018 - 12/2022
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- Search for biomarkers of uterine receptivity and developing a molecular test (ENDORE)
- Principal investigator: Signe Altmäe
- Funding source: MINECO+FEDER
- Award Number: SAF2017-87526
- Duration: 01/2018 - 09/2022
- UTERINE MICROBIOTA: COMPOSITION AND DYNAMICS (ROSY)
- Principal investigator: Signe Altmäe
- Funding source: MICINN + FEDER
- Award Number: CNS2022-135999
- Duration: 09/2023 - 08/2025
- Summary: Until very recently, it was assumed that the uterus was a sterile environment. However, with new next-generation sequencing methodologies, it has been established that the uterus hosts its own microbiota (microbial community), where microbes may influence uterine functions in both health and disease. An increasing number of microbiome studies (analysis of microbial genomes) link the endometrial microbiome (the inner lining of the uterus), specifically the dominance of species from the Lactobacillus genus, to reproductive outcomes in assisted reproduction and various gynecological pathologies. However, several studies have found no association between microbial composition and reproductive outcomes and have questioned the dominance of Lactobacillus and whether microbes are truly present at all levels (beyond contamination) in all women. In summary, there is an active debate about whether the endometrium truly harbors a unique microbiota, and the baseline microbial composition has yet to be established. The present project aims to determine the functionally active microbiota and the baseline living microbial composition in a healthy, pathology-free uterus, as well as its dynamics and the molecular dialogue between the uterus and vagina. This will be achieved by applying 16S rRNA sequencing, along with meta-transcriptomic strategies (microbial RNA sequencing) and high-resolution culturomics. The ROSY project would provide a novel perspective on understanding the molecular mechanisms of uterine dynamics and, after a long-standing question, establish the baseline composition of the uterine microbiota. Identifying microbial biomarkers related.
- Microbial mapping and host-microbe interactions in pathogenesis of endometriosis and concomitant infertility (Endo-Map)
- Principal investigator: Signe Altmäe
- Funding source: MICINN + FEDER
- Award Number: PID2021-127280OB-I00
- Duration: 09/2022 - 08/2025
- Summary: Endometriosis is a widespread but historically understudied gynecological disorder characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue (the inner lining of the uterus) outside the uterus. As a result, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding the disease’s pathogenesis and its associated symptoms, including infertility. Recent studies have linked microbial composition alterations (dysbiosis) in the endometrium, vagina, and gut to endometriosis, and the “bacterial contamination hypothesis” has been proposed in the context of this disease. However, little is known about the presence and composition of microorganisms throughout the female reproductive tract in endometriosis, and a cause-effect relationship has yet to be established. Therefore, the aim of this project is to provide a detailed microbial atlas of the reproductive and intestinal tracts in both endometriosis and healthy conditions, with the goal of identifying potential microbial biomarkers of the disease. Additionally, the project will develop an interactive online reference database of microorganisms present in health and disease as a useful tool. Furthermore, the project seeks to determine potential host-microbe interactions affecting endometrial functions, with a particular focus on endometrial receptivity in endometriosis. To achieve this, three-dimensional (3D) models of endometrial organoids treated with previously identified microbial metabolites will be used. These models will be used to study epithelial integrity, gene expression profiles, and markers of inflammatory and immune responses in the endometrium. By investigating the specific microbial composition associated with endometriosis and its role in the disease and related infertility, the Endo-Map project aims to provide crucial insights into the pathogenesis of endometriosis. These findings are expected to contribute to improved treatments and enhanced quality of life for patients.