Our intestines host trillions of microbes that release substances influencing organs through the bloodstream and gut nervous system but the functions of many remain unknown. Now researchers led by the University of Copenhagen have identified a common bacterial strain that could lead to a new class of therapeutics.

We discovered that the abundance of RORDEP-producing bacteria can differ by as much as 100,000-fold between individuals explains Yong Fan Assistant Professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research University of Copenhagen and lead author of the study recently published in Nature Microbiology  Our analysis shows that individuals with higher levels of these bacteria are generally leaner suggesting a strong link between the presence of this microbial strain and healthier metabolic profiles. This could have major implications for the development of future microbiome-based therapies.

In their groundbreaking study researchers detail how RORDEP proteins stimulate the body’s natural production of key metabolic hormones like GLP-1 and PYY which regulate appetite and blood sugar as well as insulin critical for blood sugar stability. Simultaneously these proteins suppress GIP a hormone associated with weight gain and directly enhance fat metabolism and burning.

Our experiments in rats and mice using either RORDEP-producing gut bacteria or administering the RORDEP proteins showed significant benefits: reduced weight gain improved blood sugar control and increased bone density says Yong Fan Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen. What’s truly exciting is that this marks the first time we’ve identified gut bacteria capable of reshaping the body’s hormonal landscape. It opens a promising new avenue for microbiome-based therapies targeting obesity, diabetes, and bone health.

Clinical trials are now underway to evaluate the potential of RORDEP-producing bacteria and their proteins in human health. One ongoing study involves healthy volunteers receiving live bacteria capable of producing RORDEPs to assess their impact on human biology. Another trial focuses on the effects of the RORDEP1 protein alone.

We’re now translating years of basic research into clinical applications to explore whether RORDEP-producing bacteria or the proteins they generate in both natural and chemically modified forms can lay the foundation for a new generation of biological therapies known as pharmabiotics says Professor Oluf Pedersen project leader and senior author of the study from the University of Copenhagen.

Looking to the future Pedersen notes In the next 10 to 15 years our ambition is to fully test the potential of RORDEP-producing bacteria in both preventive and therapeutic contexts. These bacteria could represent a new wave of second-generation probiotics used as dietary supplements to combat common chronic diseases. Meanwhile modified RORDEP proteins may evolve into targeted therapies for conditions like cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Source: https://news.ku.dk/all_news/2025/07/microbiome-breakthrough-gut-bacterium-may-hold-key-to-future-treatments-for-widespread-chronic-diseases/