Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 6, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Potential role of indolelactate and butyrate in multiple sclerosis revealed by integrated microbiome-metabolome
Izhak Levi1,2, Michael Gurevich3, Gal Perlman1,2
1Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease whose precise etiology is unknown. Several studies found alterations in the microbiome of individuals with MS, but the mechanism by which it may affect MS is poorly understood. Here we analyze the microbiome of 129 individuals with MS and find that they harbor distinct microbial patterns compared with controls. To study the functional consequences of these differences, we measure levels of 1,251 serum metabolites in a subgroup of subjects and unravel a distinct metabolite signature that separates affected individuals from controls nearly perfectly (AUC = 0.97). Individuals with MS are found to be depleted in butyrate-producing bacteria and in bacteria that produce indolelactate, an intermediate in generation of the potent neuroprotective antioxidant indolepropionate, which we found to be lower in their serum. We identify microbial and metabolite candidates that may contribute to MS and should be explored further for their causal role and therapeutic potential.
Insights
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have unique gut microbiome patterns and lower levels of neuroprotective compounds like indolepropionate. These findings suggest potential microbial and metabolite targets for future MS research and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiome Research
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurological disease with unknown causes.
- Alterations in the gut microbiome are observed in MS patients, but their functional role remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate distinct microbial and metabolite profiles in individuals with MS.
- To explore the functional consequences of microbiome differences on host metabolism in MS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the gut microbiome composition in 129 individuals with MS and controls.
- Measurement of 1,251 serum metabolites in a subgroup of MS patients and controls.
- Correlation analysis between microbial patterns and metabolite levels.
Main Results:
- Distinct microbial patterns were identified in individuals with MS compared to controls.
- A unique serum metabolite signature effectively differentiated MS patients (AUC = 0.97).
- MS patients showed depletion in butyrate-producing bacteria and indolelactate producers, with lower serum indolepropionate levels.
Conclusions:
- The study identifies specific microbial and metabolite candidates potentially contributing to MS pathogenesis.
- These findings highlight the role of the gut microbiome and its metabolites in MS.
- Further research into these microbial and metabolite candidates may reveal therapeutic strategies for MS.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.