As a scientist and project leader at Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland, Gray Camp, Ph.D., directs a research group. More importantly, they found remarkable evolutionary differences in the human intestine compared to other mammals. Qianhui Yu and coauthors recently reported their results in the journal Science. They hypothesize that these recent adaptations in the human gut are driving negative changes in metabolic and barrier functions. This study, titled “Recent evolution of the developing human intestine affects metabolic and barrier functions,” highlights the importance of understanding these changes in an era of rising health concerns related to digestion and immunity.
Research Team and Methodology
Our research team included some of the biggest experts. The other speakers were Jason Spence, Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and Craig Lowe, Ph.D. from Duke University. They employed creative, groundbreaking methods to investigate the inner workings of the gut. By making organoids, they had produced minuscule models that recapitulated the architecture and physiology of intestinal tissues. The team produced these organoids from stem cells derived from humans, chimpanzees, and mice. Using this reduced model, we are able to more directly compare intestinal development and function across several species.
These organoids act as a unique platform to yield unprecedented cellular and molecular insights into the development of the small intestine. The researchers looked at the variation among intestinal organoids. In particular, they focused on key evolutionary changes unique to humans that conventional methods could overlook.
Key Findings on Gut Epithelial Genes
Together with additional findings, this research makes for a truly astonishing discovery. This indicates that human gut epithelial genes are under recent positive selection. Among the biggest surprises, the scientists discovered a large change in an important enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. This adaptation is both a response to societal dietary shift and potentially accounts for the differences in lactose tolerance across different human populations.
Beyond sex differences, the researchers further noted significant differences in gene expression related to a number of physiological functions. For example, they found differences in genes associated with immunity, lipid metabolism, and cholesterol absorption. These findings suggest that humans intestine has evolutionary response to the dietary challenges. It has led the way in addressing environmental pressures that affect health from the ground up.
Implications of the Research
The real-world relevance of this research goes beyond intellectual curiosity. Public health impacts of digestive diseases are alarming and escalating. By applying lessons from evolutionary adaptations, we can create targeted interventions to promote gut health and address challenges such as obesity and metabolic disorders. Continued comparison between human intestinal organoids and those derived from other mammals will be critical for revealing key insights. Not enough effort has been spent identifying interventions that suit each individual’s evolutionary background.
