Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Deconfounded, quantitative microbiome profiling identifies robust multiple sclerosis markers and clinical covariate
Ayla Pauwels1,2, Lindsay Devolder3,4, Gwen Falony3,4,5
1Neuroprotection and Neuromodulation (NEUR) Research Group, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
Gut Microbes
|June 5, 2026
Summary
This study identifies robust gut microbiome biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) by controlling for confounders. It highlights specific bacterial genera and their association with disease progression and treatment, emphasizing quantitative microbiome profiling (QMP).
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroimmunology
- Human Gut Microbiome Research
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) research lacks consistent gut microbiota findings.
- Confounder effects in microbiome studies can obscure true disease associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify reliable gut microbiome markers for MS using quantitative microbiome profiling (QMP).
- To investigate the impact of confounders like fecal moisture and transit time on microbiome analysis in MS.
- To validate MS-associated microbial markers across multiple studies.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative microbiome profiling (QMP) applied to 228 MS patients and 2860 controls.
- Deconfounding analysis incorporating bacterial cell count and fecal moisture.
- Meta-analysis of QMP data from 10 published studies.
Main Results:
- Identified 21 differentially abundant genera in MS, with enriched Lachnobacterium and Blautia, and depleted Clostridium and Bacteroides.
- Confirmed lowered Bacteroides and higher Blautia and Methanobrevibacter as robust MS biomarkers across studies.
- Linked specific enterotypes to disease severity and treatment efficacy; found inverse correlation between GFAP and Faecalibacterium/Roseburia in PPMS.
Conclusions:
- Deconfounded QMP provides robust, reproducible gut microbiome markers for MS.
- Controlling for confounders is crucial for accurate microbiome profiling in MS research.
- Gut microbial composition is associated with MS subtypes, disease progression, and treatment response.
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