Noise and/or ultrafine particulate matter induced cerebral and cardiovascular damage: novel insights from experimental and epidemiological brain-heart axis biomarkers and computational models – MARKOPOLO

The project addresses the critical health issues of traffic noise and air pollution (particulate matter incl. ultrafine particles) by a unique translational approach using experimental and computational models in clinical, interventional, and epidemiological studies. A primary goal is to identify disease-relevant biomarkers and understand the molecular pathways of cerebral, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, also by effective translation of animal findings to human health. Our “bench to life” approach on the brain-heart axis is entirely driven by profound preclinical mechanistic knowledge and will use novel Multiomics methodology (e.g. redox/phospho-proteomics, “spatial” epigenetics), allowing analysis of key pathomechanisms, to be included in exposure-response models. This will improve risk assessment and allow evaluation of the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. We will also consider the societal circumstances and policies at the national level and their impact on different stakeholders.

MARKOPOLO will advance our understanding of the complex interplay between noise, air pollution, and human well-being and provide clearer information and guidelines for various stakeholders.

Funding: €7.999.000

Start date: 1 January, 2025

End date: 31 December, 2028

Partners:

  • Universitaetsmedizin Der Johannes Gutenberguniversitaet – Germany
  • Universita Degli Studi Di Padova – Italy
  • Medical University Of South Carolina – USA
  • Vytauto Didziojo Universitetas – Lithuania
  • Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Belgrade – Serbia
  • The Cyprus Institute – Cyprus
  • Concentris Research Management Gmbh – Germany
  • Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Wissenschaften – Germany
  • Laboratoire National De Sante – Luxemburg
  • Luxembourg Institute Of Health – Luxemburg
  • Ita-Suomen Yliopisto – Finland
  • Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg – Germany
  • Syddansk Universitet – Denmark
  • Kraeftens Bekaempelse – Denmark
  • Schweizerisches Tropen Und Public Health Institute – Switzerland

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Research and Innovation Actions, under grant agreement No 101156161

EUROPEAN HEALTH AND DIGITAL EXECUTIVE AGENCY (HADEA)