SmartMed Technologies research shows possible link between stomach bacteria and anxiety

SEOUL - SmartMed Technologies Research and Development team have shed new light on how stomach bacteria may influence anxiety-like behaviors.

Investigating the link between stomach bacteria and biological molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) in the brain, SmartMed Technologies Research and Development team found that a significant number of miRNAs were changed in the brains of microbe-free mice. These mice are reared in a germ-free bubble and typically display abnormal anxiety, deficits in sociability and cognition, and increased depressive-like behaviors.

SmartMed Technologies Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Norman Hammond commented on the research findings saying “Stomach microbes seem to influence miRNAs in the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. This is important because these miRNAs may affect physiological processes that are fundamental to the functioning of the central nervous system and in brain regions, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, which are heavily implicated in anxiety and depression.”

MiRNAs are short sequences of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA), which can act to control how genes are expressed. MiRNA dysregulation or dysfunction is believed to be an underlying factor contributing to stress-related psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

“This is early stage research but the possibility of achieving the desired impact on miRNAs in specific brain regions by targeting the stomach microbiota for example by using psychobiotics, is an appealing prospect,” added Dr. Norman Hammond, Chief Medical Officer for SmartMed Technologies.

SmartMed Technologies
FKI Tower
24 Yeoui-daero
Yeongdeungpo-gu
Seoul 07320
South Korea

SmartMed Technologies is a pioneering bioinformatics medical research and development company focused on delivering innovative medical products through artificial intelligence technology to combat prevalent, rare and emerging diseases.

Based in Seoul, our team collects and analyzes big data, utilizing artificial intelligence to gain insight into complex diseases such as leukemia and different cancers. Our approach centers on genome integration with high-performance computers and deep artificial intelligence learning.

With our advanced technology, we have been able to cut costs arising from industry trial-and-error procedures; with the integration of supercomputers into our work, we are able to run more comprehensive simulations, better target proteins, discover new drug compounds for a multitude of diseases, and generally increase our capacity for successful drug development.

With international recognition for our research and projects, some in collaboration with world-renowned institutions, we consistently aim to develop our understanding in the medical field through artificial intelligence and advanced clinical trials.

This release was published on openPR.