IGEMIS

Duration

01/01/2026 - 31/12/2028

Coordinator

Léa Maitre

Funded by

ISCIII-Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (FIS)

IGEMIS aims to characterise the infant gut chemical exposome using state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC-HRMS). The study analyses 374 faecal samples from 18-month-old infants enrolled in the Barcelona Life Study Cohort (BiSC).

Unlike prenatal and birth periods, when exposure primarily occurs through the mother (via the placenta or breast milk), infants at 18 months encounter a broader range of environmental sources. The transition to solid foods, increased mobility (crawling and walking), and frequent hand-to-mouth behaviour increase exposure to contaminants from food, household dust and indoor surfaces.

Why faecal samples?

Collecting biological samples such as urine or blood in this age group is challenging. Faecal samples provide a non-invasive and comprehensive biomonitoring matrix, capturing ingested xenobiotics and reflecting microbiome activity, including neuroactive metabolites.

Methods and scientific approach

Gut exposome and microbiome profiling

To assess the interplay between the gut chemical exposome and the microbiome, the project combines:

• Non-targeted LC-HRMS screening to identify chemical exposures
• Metagenomic sequencing to characterise bacterial, viral and fungal taxa
• Assessment of microbial function through short-chain fatty acid content in faeces

Links with neurodevelopment

The study will investigate associations between the gut exposome and neuroactive metabolites at 18 months, and explore potential links with neurodevelopmental outcomes measured at 4 and 7–8 years of age.

Metabolic capacity and host–microbe interactions

IGEMIS will also explore microbial and host metabolic capacity by computing ratios between endogenous and exogenous metabolites and testing their associations with microbial genes.

Engagement and expected contribution

In parallel, the project will engage families and healthcare professionals, including paediatricians and midwives, through focus groups to understand their needs and experiences regarding early-life chemical exposure.

These insights will support the co-creation of actionable guidelines to help reduce exposure to environmental contaminants during infancy.

Project led by Léa Maitre (ISGlobal).

Total Funding

168.750 €

Funded by ISCIII-Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (FIS).