Prof Phil Popovich and his team from Ohio State University have used metagenomics sequencing to identify changes in gut bacteria and viruses that occur after spinal cord injuries (SCI) in mice. Changes were seen in mice with all levels of SCI but they were most marked in higher level injuries.
“This is the first time that metagenomics has been applied in spinal cord injury to characterize the persistent imbalance of the gut’s microbial community, also known as gut dysbiosis,” said lead researcher Prof Phillip Popovich, “We’re trying to better understand the gut microbiome and its potential health impact on people with spinal cord injury, such as metabolic disease, cardiovascular dysfunction, decreased immune function, fatigue and mental health issues… These findings are the first steps to developing therapies and treatments for humans in the future.”
- Read an interview with Prof. Popovich…
- Press release from Ohio State University…
- Paper published (open access) in mSystems https://doi.org/10.1128/mSystems.01356-20