Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), which have no known cures and elusive causes, result in irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. Research into these diseases typically focuses on the brain, but mouse studies from the last few years suggest that the microbiome plays a role in the onset and progression of some NDDs, as well. " These findings suggest the gut microbiome plays an important role in the onset and progression of at least some neurodegenerative diseases, "noted Chris Ellis, principal investigator of the multi-institution team of microbiologists from Netellis, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
At ASM Microbe, the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, those researchers report a new link in humans between a metabolite produced by gut microbes and 3 NDDs. Their analysis suggests that the metabolite DHPS (2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate) may help answer critical questions about how sulfur metabolism pathways can connect the microbiome to these diseases. DHPS has not previously been detected in people, and the researchers noted that metabolites produced by gut microbes in patients with NDDs might offer valuable clues to a better understanding, which could lead to improved diagnostic tools or even treatments.
In previous studies, researchers have found that fecal transplants can alleviate Alzheimer's disease-like progression in mouse models, and when fecal transplants from people w.
