Project: Ketogenic signaling in resilience promotion

Acronym	KetoResi
Project Topic	In this translational research project involving (i) two rodent models of stress resilience and (ii) existing human cohorts that were previously characterized regarding stress resilience in an ongoing longitudinal study, we will assess the hypothesis that a pharmacological intervention with the ketone body ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is able to promote stress resilience. This hypothesis is substantiated on one hand by the current knowledge on candidate stress resilience mechanisms and, on the other hand, on data showing that ketogenic signaling is able to positively modulate many of the potential resilience mechanisms. Here, we aim at investigating several of these underlying mechanisms and identifying potential molecular and behavioral predictors of stress resilience. In a multidisciplinary approach, this consortium will implement a broad range of state-of-the-art techniques, including behavioral analyses, transcriptomics, epigenetics, metabolic investigations, in vivo imaging in rodents (fMRI, calcium imaging, neurotransmitter sensors) and in humans (fMRI). We explore a promising but poorly understood field in resilience research, e.g., the link between stress resilience and metabolism. The suggested interventions are easily applicable, self-determining, and affordable, and importantly without ethical dilemmas. Thus, in the current times of high load of stress, this project will decisively contribute to improve the general health and to alleviate stress-related disorders.
Network	NEURON Cofund2
Call	Neuron Cofund2 Joint Call 2023

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	Leibniz Institute of Resilience Research gGmbH	Coordinator	Germany
2	Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)	Partner	Spain
3	Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCSS	Partner	Italy
4	University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz	Partner	Germany
5	CNRS UMR8246 Neuroscience Paris-Seine	Partner	France