Integrative analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome reveal novel molecular signatures in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
OverviewHashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the progressive destruction of thyroid follicles due to chronic inflammation, often leading to hypothyroidism. It affects 10-12% of the global population, with a significantly higher prevalence among women. While its etiology involves genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors, increasing evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota in […]
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Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disease is when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, often linked to imbalances in the microbiome, which can disrupt immune regulation and contribute to disease development.
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Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What Was Studied?
Integrative analysis reveals novel gut microbiota-transcriptome signatures for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, aiding early diagnosis and treatment.This study explored the molecular signatures of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) through an integrative analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome (miRNA/mRNA). It aimed to identify novel molecular markers and elucidate the gut-thyroid axis, using data from 31 early HT patients and 30 healthy controls across discovery and validation cohorts. The study sought to uncover interactions between the gut microbiota and host gene expression, providing insights into HT pathogenesis.
Who Was Studied?
Participants included 31 early HT patients and 30 healthy individuals aged 18–65. HT cases were defined by elevated thyroid antibodies (TPOAb/TGAb) and morphological abnormalities while maintaining normal thyroid function. Exclusions included antibiotic or probiotic use, significant dietary changes, or comorbid conditions. Blood and fecal samples were collected for transcriptomic and metagenomic sequencing.
What Were the Most Important Findings?
The study identified subtle but significant gut microbiota alterations in early HT patients. While alpha diversity was unchanged, beta diversity analysis revealed compositional shifts, including increased Bacillota_A and Spirochaetota at the phylum level and significant differences in 24 genera and 67 species. Beneficial microbes like Barnesiella intestinihominis were reduced, while opportunistic pathogens like Peptostreptococcus were enriched. Host transcriptome analysis identified 1975 downregulated and 1821 upregulated mRNAs, alongside 27 miRNAs. Immune and inflammation-related pathways were enriched, with hsa-miR-548aq-3p and hsa-miR-374a-5p playing key roles. Key molecular signatures included three bacterial species (Salaquimonas_sp002400845, Clostridium_AI_sp002297865, Enterocloster_citroniae) and six RNAs (e.g., GADD45A, IRS2, SMAD6). These integrated signatures demonstrated strong diagnostic potential (AUC=0.95) in distinguishing HT patients from healthy controls.
What Are the Greatest Implications?
This research advances understanding of the gut-thyroid axis and provides a robust framework for early HT diagnosis and treatment. Molecular signatures identified offer potential for targeted therapies, including microbiome modulation. For example, restoring beneficial microbes such as Barnesiella intestinihominis or targeting specific pathogenic species may offer therapeutic benefits. Integration of gut microbiota and transcriptome data sets a precedent for multidimensional biomarker development in autoimmune conditions.