REINFORCE · Inflammatory Bowel Disease: an EU-NZ integrated approach for characterizing its molecular multifactorial mechanisms

Over the past 20 years there has been a dramatic rise in the incidence of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both in EU and NZ. IBD refers primarily to two major disorders such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), chronic conditions characterized by inflammatory lesions involving gut mucosa. CD is also an emerging problem amongst children. Etiology of IBD is still unknown, however several studies demonstrate multifactorial mechanisms contributing to its pathogenesis (i.e. immunoregulatory defects, genetic mutations, dysbiosis of commensal enteric microbiota, alterations in mucosal permeability, alimentary factors). The complexity of these factors makes necessary for a researcher to acquire the widest spectrum of advanced techniques enabling the deeper understanding of IBD onset and recurrence and developing useful therapeutic strategies. Both Eu and NZ have significantly contribute to IBD research advances, by developing outstanding research expertise and being equipped with the most advance methodological tools. REINFORCE consortium is a multidisciplinary scientific network, in which each partner is a leader in IBD mechanisms. The high level of synergies within REINFORCE consortium, highlighting the cross-talk among different disciplines, will provide a multidisciplinary training for EU and NZ researchers. This joint exchange programme represents a unique opportunity to lead to a high degree of novelty in IBD training by allowing to build up a new profile of researcher able to tackle the different aspects of IBD. REINFORCE has settled down a series of specific and technical objectives which will guarantee the ESRs and ERs to be provided with training tools ensuring the use of the most advanced molecular and cellular techniques. Training modules will concern: (i) IBD Modulation of Immune response, (ii) IBD Characterization and modulation of gut microbiota, (iii) IBD intestinal epithelial barrier, (iv) Nutrition and genetics on IBD.