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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Multiple Sclerosis Risk and Progression: Towards Characterization of the "MS
Anne-Katrin Pröbstel1, Sergio E Baranzini2,3,4
1Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the prototypic complex disease, in which both genes and the environment contribute to its pathogenesis. To date, > 200 independent loci across the genome have been associated with MS risk. However, these only explain a fraction of the total phenotypic variance, suggesting the possible presence of additional genetic factors, and, most likely, also environmental factors. New DNA sequencing technologies have enabled the sequencing of all kinds of microorganisms, including those living in and around humans (i.e., microbiomes). The study of bacterial populations inhabiting the gut is of particular interest in autoimmune diseases owing to their key role in shaping immune responses. In this review, we address the potential crosstalk between B cells and the gut microbiota, a relevant scenario in light of recently approved anti-B-cell therapies for MS. In addition, we review recent efforts to characterize the gut microbiome in patients with MS and discuss potential challenges and future opportunities. Finally, we describe the international MS microbiome study, a multicenter effort to study a large population of patients with MS and their healthy household partners to define the core MS microbiome, how it is shaped by disease-modifying therapies, and to explore potential therapeutic interventions.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves genetics and environment. Research explores the gut microbiome
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- While over 200 genetic loci are linked to MS risk, they don't fully explain disease variance, indicating roles for other genetic and environmental factors.
- The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses, making it a key area of interest in autoimmune diseases like MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential interactions between B cells and the gut microbiota in the context of multiple sclerosis.
- To summarize current knowledge on the gut microbiome composition in MS patients.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in MS microbiome research, including the impact of anti-B-cell therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of research on B cell and gut microbiota crosstalk.
- Description of the international MS microbiome study, a multicenter initiative.
Main Results:
- The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a significant environmental factor in MS pathogenesis.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between gut microbial composition and immune system dysregulation in MS.
- The international MS microbiome study aims to define the core MS microbiome and its modulation by therapies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the gut microbiome's role is critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies for MS, especially with new anti-B-cell treatments.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between the gut microbiota, immune system, and MS.
- The international MS microbiome study holds promise for identifying specific microbial signatures and therapeutic targets.
