Gut Bacteria Chronic Disease Treatments
- For years, scientists have understood that the trillions of microorganisms residing in our gut-collectively known as the microbiome-aren't just passive bystanders.
- Researchers have identified a common bacterial strain capable of lowering body weight, reducing blood sugar levels, and even increasing bone density.
- "We found that the number of RORDEP-producing bacteria can vary by up to 100,000 times between individuals, and that people with high levels of these bacteria tend to...
A Gut feeling: Common Bacterium Shows Promise Against Major Chronic Diseases
Table of Contents
Published August 20, 2025
For years, scientists have understood that the trillions of microorganisms residing in our gut-collectively known as the microbiome-aren’t just passive bystanders. They actively influence our health,communicating with our organs via the bloodstream and the gut’s nervous system. However, the specific effects of most of these bacterial species remained largely unknown. Now, groundbreaking research from the University of Copenhagen is shedding light on one bacterium in particular, offering a potential new avenue for preventing and treating a range of debilitating conditions.
RORDEP-Producing Bacteria: A New Therapeutic Target
Researchers have identified a common bacterial strain capable of lowering body weight, reducing blood sugar levels, and even increasing bone density. This bacterium produces two proteins, RORDEP1 and RORDEP2, which bear a resemblance to irisin-a hormone released during exercise that plays a role in fat metabolism. these RORDEP proteins appear to influence the body’s hormonal balance in a way that benefits overall health.
“We found that the number of RORDEP-producing bacteria can vary by up to 100,000 times between individuals, and that people with high levels of these bacteria tend to be leaner,” explains Yong Fan, assistant professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen and lead author of the study, published in Nature Microbiology.
How RORDEP Proteins Work
The study reveals that RORDEP proteins stimulate the body to produce more of the hormones GLP-1 and PYY, which regulate appetite and blood sugar. They also boost insulin production, crucial for maintaining stable glucose levels. Concurrently, RORDEP proteins suppress the hormone GIP, which can contribute to weight gain, and directly enhance fat burning. essentially,these proteins appear to nudge the body’s hormonal system towards a healthier state.
Experiments conducted on rats and mice demonstrated the impact of these findings. Animals receiving either RORDEP-producing gut bacteria or the RORDEP proteins themselves exhibited reduced weight gain, lower blood sugar, and increased bone density. This marks the first time researchers have successfully mapped gut bacteria that demonstrably alter hormonal balance.
From Lab to Clinic: Human Trials Underway
The University of Copenhagen’s research has already spurred the creation of GutCRINE, a biotech company founded two years ago with university support, dedicated to translating these findings into practical applications. Currently, the first clinical trials in humans are underway.
One study is evaluating the effects of administering live RORDEP-producing bacteria to healthy participants. A separate trial is focused on the impact of the RORDEP1 protein itself. These trials are designed to determine whether these compounds can be harnessed for therapeutic benefit.
Pharmabiotics: The future of Gut-Targeted Therapies?
Researchers envision a future where RORDEP-producing bacteria or the RORDEP proteins-in their natural or chemically modified form-form the basis of a new class of biological drugs known as pharmabiotics. Professor Oluf Pedersen, project leader and senior author of the study, explains, “Looking 10 to 15 years ahead, our goal is to test the potential of RORDEP-producing bacteria for both prevention and treatment.”
The long-term vision includes exploring the potential of RORDEP-producing bacteria as a “second-generation probiotic”-a dietary supplement used to prevent common chronic diseases-and developing modified RORDEP proteins into future medicines for cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis.