Researcher investigates the link between gut and overall health

Scientists are learning that the health of the gut microbiome, made up of trillions of micro-organisms, plays a key role in overall wellness. For example, research has shown these micro-organisms are important players in both drug metabolism and certain conditions like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and diabetes. 

Dr. Chunlong Mu, PhD, is deeply interested in this growing area of research, particularly in how the microbiome influences cardiometabolic health that links with neurodevelopmental disorders. 

An assistant professor in the Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Cumming School of Medicine, Mu recently became a member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute.

He’s hopeful his research will be translated into real-world care. 

“The goal of my work is to improve outcomes for patients with cardiometabolic comorbidity in neurodevelopmental disorders” says Mu.  

The early-career researcher, who holds the Azrieli Accelerator Professorship in Microbiome & Neurodevelopment, is off to a great start. 

While still a postdoctoral fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Jane Shearer, PhD, Mu was involved in a groundbreaking study that explored the impact of 12 heart medications—including statins, metformin and beta blockers—on gut health. The study uncovered some important interactions and shed light on the impact of common medication combinations. 

“The study showed a reduction in bacterial diversity, species, and microbial functional potential with certain single and multi-medication use,” says Mu, adding there was an overall decrease in beneficial microbes and an increase in bacteria that may have a negative effect on overall health.  

Mu was also involved in publishing numerous papers on the links between gut health and pediatric neurological conditions like autism and epilepsy. 

This work, which looked at the effect of a ketogenic diet in a rodent model of infantile epilepsy , resulted in the identification of two beneficial species found in the gut microbiome. These micro-organisms are being used to treat pediatric patients as part of an ongoing clinical study. 

Other research projects that Mu has been involved with include a study looking at the impacts of estrogen supplements on gut health, as well as studies looking at the effect of specific diets, like the Mediterranean diet, on the microbiome. 

Education

Mu receives his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in veterinary medicine at Henan Agricultural University in China. He went on to complete a PhD and postdoctoral fellowship in animal science and gut microbiology at Nanjing Agricultural University, China. 

It was during this period that his interest in the gut microbiome and neurodevelopment grew. In fact, his PhD and postdoctoral research explored how the gut microbiome interacts with dietary amino acids, particularly aromatic amino acids (neurotransmitter precursors), to shape the gut environment, and how these changes affect colon and brain health."

“That strengthened my interest in the microbiome-gut-brain interaction,” said Mu. “It was then I knew this was the area that I wanted to research for my career.” 

During his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Calgary, Mu continued his work on the microbiome—this time focusing his attention on human research.

Mu’s interdisciplinary research experiences in gut physiology, gut microbiome, mitochondrial biology and nutrition, gives him a strong foundation on which to continue to grow his career. 

As he continues to set up his own lab at the Cumming School of Medicine, Mu is excited about the future. 

“I think gut health is an important part of overall health,” he says. “I will be looking for microbiome-based treatments that can be used to help real patients.”