Prof. Omry Koren awarded ERC Proof of Concept Grant
Koren is examining increased antibiotic usage during pregnancy and nursing, and its potential impact on the maternal microbiome and fetal development
Prof. Omry Koren, one of the world's most highly cited microbiology researchers, is the recipient of a European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept Grant. Prof. Koren, from Bar-Ilan's Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, is being awarded the Grant for his research into the effects of maternal antibiotic use on offspring behavior.
Prof. Koren's project examines increased antibiotic usage during pregnancy -- or alternatively when nursing -- and its potential impact on the maternal microbiome and fetal development, which can lead to long-term behavioral changes, including aggression, in offspring.
Research to date in the Koren's Microbiome Research Laboratory has shown promising results supporting the hypothesis that such behaviors are partially affected by gut bacteria and associated metabolic compounds. As such, Koren is developing a postbiotic (microbial metabolites), to be taken daily following antibiotic use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, that can restore microbiota form and function and thus alleviate changes in offspring behavior. Koren's project, known as PRO-MOM, will build upon these findings and move towards a preclinical model to reduce aggression and other side effects related to antibiotic use in pregnancy or while nursing.
"If successful this study will allow women to take antibiotics even during pregnancy and while breastfeeding knowing that they will do no harm to their offspring. Such essential developments will reduce complications and save lives," commented Bar-Ilan Vice President for Research Prof. Shulamit Michaeli on the grant awarded to Prof. Koren.
The Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant provides funding to researchers who are currently being funded, or have previously been funded, by the ERC to enable their ideas to progress on the path from groundbreaking research towards innovation. The PoC Grant, worth €150,000, helps researchers bridge the gap between the discoveries stemming from their frontier research and the practical application of the findings, including early phases of commercialization. Koren previously received an ERC Consolidator Grant, which is awarded to outstanding researchers with a scientific track record showing great promise, for his preliminary research linking microbiota, hormones and aggression.