The Small Intestine Microbiome in MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$50,000
Affiliation(s)
University of Calgary
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Alberta
Researcher(s)
Dr. Carlos Camara-Lemarroy
Research Priorities
Cause of MS
Impact Goal(s)
Prevent MS
Understand and Halt Disease Progression

Summary:

  • Changes in the gut microbiome, a community of microbes that reside in the gut, have been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Current approaches of studying the gut microbiome in MS are limited to the large intestine or colon, while the small intestine microbiome in MS has yet to be studied. 
  • Dr. Carlos Camara-Lemarroy and team aim to study the small intestine microbiome. Through a novel technique, they will compare the small intestine microbiome of people with MS and healthy controls, as well as people with different types of MS (progressive vs relapsing-remitting MS), to see if the observed differences play a role in MS pathogenesis.
  • Knowledge generated from this study will further our understanding of the gut microbiome in MS and potentially identify new targets for treatment.

Project Description: 
Studies have shown that the gut microbiome – a community of microbes and bacteria that live in the gut – is altered in people with MS and may contribute to MS disease. Most research on the gut microbiome have focused on analysing stool samples from the large intestine or colon. However, the small intestine contains a unique population of microbes and a large collection of immune cells relevant to MS, and has yet to be studied.

Dr. Carlos Camara-Lemarroy will characterize the small intestine microbiome and its potential role in MS pathogenesis. The research team will recruit people with MS and healthy controls to participate in a clinical trial, where participants are asked to ingest a capsule designed to collect intestinal samples as it passes through the small intestine. The samples will be analyzed using 16S sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics. The team will compare the small intestine microbiome of people with MS and healthy controls, as well as people with different types of MS (progressive vs relapsing-remitting MS), to see if the observed differences will influence MS development and progression.
Potential Impact: This is the first study to characterize small intestine microbiome in people with MS using novel and non-invasive approaches. Results from the study will provide further understanding of how the gut microbiome is involved in the development and progression of MS and potentially identify new targets for treatment.

Project Status: In Progress