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Updated: Nov 10, 2025
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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Gut microbiome differences between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and spouse controls
Vicki S Hertzberg1, Harinder Singh2, Christina N Fournier3,4
1Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Summary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients show distinct gut microbiome differences, including a deficiency in Prevotella, compared to healthy individuals. These findings suggest potential microbiome-targeted therapies for ALS treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with limited therapeutic options.
- The role of the gut microbiome in ALS pathogenesis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in gut microbiome composition between ALS patients and healthy controls.
- To explore potential links between microbiome alterations and disease mechanisms in ALS.
Main Methods:
- Compared gut microbiome profiles (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and inflammatory markers in ALS patients and their spouses.
- Included a control group of healthy couples for comparison.
Main Results:
- ALS patients exhibited altered gut microbial diversity and a deficiency in Prevotella spp. compared to spouse controls.
- No significant differences in inflammatory markers were observed between ALS patients and their spouses.
- Predictive analysis indicated reduced activity in metabolic pathways, including butyrate metabolism, in ALS patients.
Conclusions:
- ALS patients display unique gut microbial signatures.
- Modulating the gut microbiome, specifically addressing Prevotella deficiency and butyrate metabolism, may offer therapeutic potential for ALS.
Keywords:
InflammationPrevotellaamyotrophic lateral sclerosisbiomarkerbutyrateepidemiologyneurodegenerationneurophysiology
