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Modulating Cardiac-Gut Microbiome Interaction Post-Myocardial Infarction with Engineered Bacteria

Tushar Madaan, Michelle L Nieman, Tushar Rakheja

    Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
    |May 18, 2026
    PubMed

    Insights

    Myocardial infarction (MI) compromises gut integrity, allowing gut bacteria to enter the heart. Engineered bacteria delivering anti-inflammatory molecules improved survival and cardiac function in MI mice.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiovascular Research
    • Microbiome Research
    • Gastroenterology

    Background:

    • The gut microbiome is crucial in acute myocardial infarction (MI) pathophysiology.
    • MI compromises intestinal integrity, leading to systemic leakage of bacterial products.
    • A novel heart-gut axis involves gut bacteria translocating to the MI heart.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of MI on gut integrity and bacterial translocation.
    • To explore the therapeutic potential of engineered gut bacteria in MI.
    • To elucidate the role of the heart-gut axis in MI recovery.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized a murine model of acute myocardial infarction.
    • Administered orally E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) as a tracer bacterium.
    • Engineered EcN to express a microbial anti-inflammatory molecule (MAM) from Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

    Main Results:

    • MI led to compromised gut integrity and systemic leakage of bacterial products.
    • Live gut bacteria were found translocated and colonized in the MI heart.
    • Treatment with engineered EcN-MAM improved survival and cardiac function in MI mice.
    • EcN-MAM enhanced gut barrier integrity, reducing systemic bacterial permeation and inflammation.

    Conclusions:

    • MI induces a novel heart-gut axis involving bacterial translocation to the heart.
    • Engineered microbiome-based therapies show promise for MI management.
    • Targeting the heart-gut axis may offer new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

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