

A Bacteria That Guards Your Gut Lining – Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph.D. : 881
Nov 30, 2021
Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph.D., founder of Pendulum Therapeutics, dives into the fascinating world of gut health. She explains how the gut lining acts as a protective barrier and introduces Akkermansia, a bacteria that enhances gut integrity and immune response. The conversation covers how dietary practices, like fasting and fiber intake, influence gut microbiome health. They also discuss the interplay between probiotics and prebiotics and reveal innovative research linking gut health to conditions like diabetes, making a strong case for prioritizing gut wellness.
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Gut Bacteria Complexity
- Gut bacteria, comprising tens of thousands of species, are being studied for their impact on health.
- Their interactions are complex, with combined effects not simply additive, challenging traditional one-to-one models of drug development.
Akkermansia's Role
- Emerging evidence links neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's to glucose control, suggesting the gut microbiome's importance.
- Akkermansia, a keystone gut bacteria strain, regulates the gut lining and impacts glucose control, inflammation, and immune response.
The Fence Analogy
- Colleen Cutcliffe uses a fence analogy to describe the gut lining and its importance in protection.
- Akkermansia acts as the maintenance crew, ensuring its integrity and preventing vulnerabilities.