Vitamin B12 (VitB12) is an essential micronutrient needed for life. It is synthesized exclusively by certain bacteria and archaea and, thanks to their interaction with animals and plants, VitB12 can enter the food chain of human beings. Deficiency of VitB12 or in-born defects related to VitB12 metabolism determine several impairments including neurological disorders. This project aims to characterize the role of VitB12 in neurological homeostasis evaluating neurotrophic action, neuroprotection and soluble- and extracellular vesicles (EVs) -mediated inflammation following deficiency of VitB12 or alteration of VitB12 metabolism in motoneurons and oligodendrocytes in vitro cell models. Furthermore, the myelination process will be studying using a 3D co-culture method (Brain MicroPhysiological System, BMPS). VitB12-loaded EVs and VitB12-loaded nanoparticles (lipid- and mesoporous-silica-based) will be produced and rescue of a neurodegenerative state determined by deficiency of VitB12 or VitB12 metabolism defect (induced by silencing of MMACHC gene) will be evaluated using mentioned complexes.
