Exploring the Gut's Role in Autoimmune Disease: A Conversation with Dr. Laura Craven

25 May

photo of dr laura craven being interviewed on the inside matters podcast

In episode 18 we chat with Dr Laura Craven, lead Research & Development Scientist at EnteroBiotix.

In an enlightening conversation on "Inside Matters," Dr. James McElroy sits down with Dr. Laura Craven, a pioneering research scientist from Introbiotics. With a PhD in microbiology, Dr. Craven shares her journey into the fascinating world of the microbiome, her groundbreaking research on leaky gut, and its implications for autoimmune diseases.

A Serendipitous Start in Microbiology

Dr. Craven's foray into the microbiome field was, as she describes, a "happy coincidence." Initially inclined towards probiotics, her interest ignited when a professor introduced her to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT). A novel concept at the time, the possibility of using stool samples to treat diseases intrigued her. Overcoming initial scepticism, this curiosity laid the groundwork for her future research.

Breaking New Ground with FMT

The conversation delves into Dr. Craven’s involvement in FMT clinical trials targeting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). These studies sought to explore the connection between gut health and systemic diseases. The FMT trials revealed an improvement in intestinal permeability, sparking excitement as this finding showcased the potential of microbial therapies in improving gut barrier function and possibly influencing disease outcomes.

Understanding Intestinal Permeability

Intestinal permeability, often dubbed as "leaky gut," is a focal point in Dr. Craven’s research. She explains how an increase in intestinal permeability can allow inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering immune responses. The research suggests altering gut microbiota through FMT could fortify the intestinal barrier, thereby reducing systemic inflammation and its impact on diseases like NAFLD and MS.

The Link Between Microbiome and Autoimmune Diseases

Dr. Craven highlights the broad implications of her research, discussing how many autoimmune diseases exhibit increased intestinal permeability. This insight opens up possibilities for using microbiome-based therapies to manage or even prevent conditions such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.

A Personal Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

In a more personal disclosure, Dr. Craven shares her own experience with type 1 diabetes, diagnosed following an Epstein-Barr virus infection. Her condition has provided her with a unique perspective on managing chronic illness and understanding the body's intricate relationship with gut health.

Innovations at Introbiotics

As the lead research and development scientist at Introbiotics, Dr. Craven is eager to explore microbial treatments' commercial and therapeutic potential. With planned clinical trials, the company aims to deliver world-class full-spectrum therapeutic products.

The Future of Microbiome Research

Dr. Craven envisions a time when microbiome therapies could be more precisely targeted, offering more refined and effective treatments. The ultimate goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms of action to develop targeted therapies that offer substantial clinical benefits.

Dr. Craven's research is at the forefront of a promising field for transforming how we understand and treat autoimmune diseases. Her work underscores the potential of harnessing the microbiome's power to improve human health, showcasing a compelling intersection of science, medicine, and personal journey. As research progresses, the hope is to unlock microbiome therapies' full potential, providing innovative solutions to complex health challenges.