In a new study published in Cell Reports titled, “C9orf72 in myeloid cells prevents an inflammatory response to microbial glycogen,” researchers from Case Western Reserve University have identified a link between gut bacteria and the deterioration of the brain in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Results identified bacterial sugars that cause neurodegenerative immune responses, providing a mechanism for therapeutic intervention. The human gastrointestinal tract is a large source of neuromodulatory factors and represents the largest site of microbial–host interactions, with an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms interfaced by 70%–80% of the body’s immune cells. Disruption to the microbe-immune-brain axis may contribute to neurodegeneration risk. However, how the gut microbiome is altered in patients with ALS is not understood. “We found that harmful gut bacteria produce inflammatory forms of glycogen, and that these bacterial sugars trigger immune responses that damage the brain,” said Aaron Burberry, PhD, assistant professor in the department of pathology at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and co-corresponding author of the study. FTD mainly affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, causing changes in a person’s personality, behavior, and language. ALS primarily targets motor neurons, resulting in gradual muscle weakness and paralysis. While most causes of ALS and FTD cases are unknown, researchers have investigated the role of genetics, environmental issues, brain injuries and diet in neurodegeneration. The authors reported that 70% of the 23 ALS/FTD patients examined had dangerous glycogen levels. Only one third of patients without the brain diseases displayed high levels of glycogen. The study has immediate implications for patient…
