Researchers at East China Normal University in Shanghai developed the oral probiotic, called “GIFT”.
Chinese scientists have developed an engineered probiotic that can detect changes in blood glucose and release a glucose-lowering hormone when needed, offering a potential new approach to diabetes treatment.
Researchers at East China Normal University in Shanghai developed the oral probiotic, called GIFT, to temporarily live in the intestine and respond to changes in glucose levels.
The system is designed to release GLP-1 when needed. Researchers say this could create an automatic feedback system to help control blood sugar.
Unlike standard diabetes treatments that require patients to take medication or receive injections, GIFT is designed as an orally delivered “living drug.” The researchers say it combines glucose sensing with a therapeutic response in one system.
The approach uses synthetic biology to change a probiotic microorganism into what researchers describe as an “intelligent virtual organ.” Researchers said the system could offer a programmable, closed-loop approach to metabolic treatment without requiring cell transplantation.
The researchers also said oral probiotics could help avoid some complications linked to cell transplantation. They said the approach may also reduce immune concerns associated with therapies based on mammalian cells.
The findings are notable because of the growing global burden of diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that more than 530 million adults worldwide have diabetes. That number is projected to rise above 850 million by 2050.
However, GIFT is still a research development and is not an established replacement for current diabetes treatments. Researchers will need to conduct further testing and validation before the approach can be considered for wider clinical use.
The researchers’ findings suggest that engineered probiotics could have potential as programmable living medicines. However, more research is needed to determine how safe and effective the approach would be for people with diabetes.
