Metagenomic Characterization of the Gut Microbiome in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset - Mag- och tarmlaboratorium |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 000 000 |
| Project duration | January 2012 - June 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The goal of this project was to (1) determine the intestinal microbiota in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and (2) how the microbiota differs from healthy. We further aimed to establish the link between (3) alterations in the gut microbiota leading to abnormal gut immune activity, (4) pathophysiology and (5) symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Expected results and effects
All the goals for the described project were achieved, and have been presented in 5 published articles. In addition, 5 manuscripts have been submitted for publication in scientific journals. All manuscript have been co-authored by at least two of project partners. The project leader has also published 3 overview articles, showing the importance of intestinal bacteria in IBS. The new knowledge of the link between the gut microbiota and immune activity, pathophysiology and symptoms in IBS patients may lead to new treatment strategies for this patient group.
Planned approach and implementation
Fecal samples and mucosal biopsies were obtained from well phenotyped IBS patients (n=180) and healthy subjects (n=60) and the microbiota composition was analyzed with 454 pyrosequencing and metagenomics. Analysis of data included machine based learning and multivariate analysis to identify patterns of microbiota and link to traits of IBS.