About Us

About Microbiome Signatures

Bridging microbiome data into microbiome medicine. Microbiome Signatures exists to translate complex, emerging microbiome research into actionable clinical tools. We believe the microbiome holds critical answers to many chronic conditions—and we’re building the infrastructure to turn that belief into evidence-based clinical practice. Our platform curates, validates, and organizes microbiome signatures of disease, identifying Major Microbial Associations (MMAs) and linking them to Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs). Every insight is designed to support clinicians in addressing the root causes of disease, not just its symptoms.

Our Mission

To create the most intuitive, scientifically rigorous, and clinically useful database for microbiome-targeted care that is so accessible and valuable that clinicians will actually use it.

Our Origin Story

Microbiome Signatures was born from frustration. While research in the field of microbiome science has grown exponentially, clinical application has lagged. It has been paralyzed not just by inconsistent findings or siloed disciplines, but by deeper systemic barriers. These include the overuse of reductionist methods like 16S rRNA sequencing, a lack of functional resolution, epistemic bias introduced through premature calls for standardization, and the absence of validated frameworks for identifying causally relevant microbial patterns. As a result, the field has produced thousands of observational studies with limited translational impact while clinicians are left without tools they can use.

Microbiome Signatures exists to bridge this gap by focusing on biological plausibility, directional consistency, and clinical relevance, rather than methodological conformity.

Founder Karen Pendergrass, having overcome a complex array of diagnoses by devising her own microbiome-centered interventions in 2012, recognized the urgent need for a translational resource that bridges this gap. Microbiome Signatures is her answer: a project grounded in scientific integrity, clinical relevance, and the belief that no one should have to wait decades for microbiome science to improve their care.

Why do we exist?

In today’s information age, the decades-long “bench to bedside” gap in translating research into clinical practice is unacceptable, frankly appalling, and perpetuating unnecessary suffering for millions. At Microbiome Signatures, we reject this delay. By connecting the dots across disciplines, we are committed to accelerating progress, delivering actionable tools, and uncovering strategies to address root causes. Not just symptoms.

North Star Principles

 • Innovation Without Boundaries: We will pursue every scientific rabbit hole, no matter how unconventional, in search of solutions.
• Practical Relevance: Every tool, insight, and resource we develop is designed to provide clinicians with actionable value.
• Evidence at the Core: Our unwavering commitment to scientific rigor ensures that only validated, meaningful data reaches healthcare professionals.

A Note from the Creator

Microbiome Signatures is deeply rooted in my personal journey of overcoming health challenges through the transformative power of microbiome research. This experience fueled my passion and urgency for turning scientific discovery into practical, real-world solutions that clinicians and patients can trust. While the spotlight will always remain on the work itself, my personal belief in the potential of microbiome science to revolutionize healthcare drives every aspect of this project.

Best,

Karen Pendergrass