Vision & Objectives

VISION

MARKOPOLO aims to investigate the impact of traffic noise and air pollution, especially fine and ultrafine particulate matter, on human health through an innovative translational approach. Experimental and computational models are used in clinical, interventional and epidemiological studies. One of the main objectives is to identify disease-relevant biomarkers and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in diseases of the brain, lung and cardiovascular system. The “from bench-to-bedside” approach uses extensive knowledge of the brain-heart connection and applies modern methods to better understand the causes of disease.

OBJECTIVES

MARKOPOLO will advance our understanding of the complex interplay between noise, air pollution, and human well-being.

• We aim to close gaps in knowledge and strengthen the evidence base for pollution-disease associations for traffic noise and air pollution (PM including UFP), especially synergetic interactions, and accounting for effects in susceptible groups and in different genders.
• We take a unique translational approach by implementing experimental/computational models, and clinical and epidemiological studies to provide FAIR data on associations between exposures and health outcomes.
• A primary goal is to identify disease-relevant biomarkers and causality mechanisms to understand the biological pathways of cerebral, pulmonary and cardiovascular health outcomes.   
• Our “bench to life” approach is entirely driven by profound preclinical mechanistic knowledge and will use novel multiomics methodology (e.g. redox/phospho-proteomics and “spatial” epigenetics), allowing the 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.