Genetically Modified Bacteria Enable Weight Loss In Mice and could work in humans better than drugs to blunt the obesity epidemic

Mice given genetically-tweaked E. coli in their water gained less weight than controls when placed on a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. They also had fewer markers of diabetes, like insulin resistance, and generally ate less than their compatriots receiving nothing or control bacteria. And for 4 weeks to 6 weeks after the researchers stopped dosing the water, the beneficial effects persisted.

The bacteria given to the mice were genetically engineered to express predecessors of a family of fats that prompt less food intake. These fats are made in the small intestine, and tell an animal to stop eating. High fat diets interfere with this process, so using modified bacteria may help dieters regulate their appetites.



Journal of Clinical Investigation - Incorporation of therapeutically modified bacteria into gut microbiota inhibits obesity

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