Plant-based bioactive compounds for obesity management
A collaborative European network is exploring plant-derived bioactive compounds to address obesity and eating disorders. This initiative leverages expertise from multiple universities and research centers to discover and validate new compounds impacting the brain's reward system.
Overview
This initiative focuses on the discovery and development of plant-based bioactive compounds that target the brain's reward system to manage obesity and eating disorders. The project is part of a new MSCA Doctoral Network funded by the European Commission. Through collaborations with leading universities and research institutions across Europe, the network aims to explore innovative solutions to these pressing health challenges.
Technical specifications
Key Features and Collaborations:
- Structural Bioinformatics and High-Performance Computing: Led by the University of Murcia, provides computational resources for compound analysis.
- Analytical Chemistry: The University of Granada specializes in identifying plant-derived bioactive compounds.
- Psychobiology of Ingestive Behaviour: Research at the University of Granada focuses on understanding how these compounds influence eating behavior.
- Foodomics Laboratory: Located at CIAL, this lab employs advanced techniques to study the interaction between food and biological systems.
- Nutritional Neuroscience: Wageningen University investigates the neurological effects of these compounds on obesity.
- Pharmacology: The University of Cagliari examines the pharmacological impacts within the brain's reward system.
Technology readiness level
This research is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, indicating that the basic concepts have been formulated and are undergoing preliminary validation through 15 funded research projects in collaboration with the MSCA Doctoral Network.
About University of Granada
Founded in 1531, the University of Granada is a large, comprehensive public research university enrolling over 60,000 students across campuses in Granada, Ceuta and Melilla. Its Health Sciences Technology Park (PTS) co‑locates university institutes, hospitals and companies, providing shared facilities, incubation and support that enable clinical translation and partnerships at scale. A dedicated Knowledge Transfer Office (OTRI) structures collaboration agreements, contract research and IP, and runs a spin‑off incubator in the University’s Technology Transfer Center. Research is supported by competitive European Union, national and regional funding, with active participation in Horizon programmes and other international calls.
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