'Your gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your gut, is like the Face ID of your health', says Fu. “It is unique, personal, and a direct reflection of your wellbeing.'
Trillions of microorganisms live in your gut. These bacteria, viruses, and fungi play a key role in keeping you healthy. They help digest food, produce essential vitamins such as K and B, and create important substances like butyrate and tryptophan, which influence your metabolism, immune system, and even mood and brain function. 'A good example,' Fu explains, 'is dietary fibre. Fibre from vegetables and whole grains is healthy, but we can't digest it ourselves, that job is done by our gut bacteria.'
In the past, medical research focused mainly on genetics to understand why people vary in health. Fu adds a new dimension by studying the microbiome. Her research shows that the composition of gut bacteria varies between individuals, and is influenced not only by genes but also by lifestyle and environment.
The good news is that your gut microbiome isn't fixed , it changes in response to what you eat, how you live, and where you live. Fu cites a telling example from research: 'Children who grow up in rural areas and spend lots of time outdoors, and are therefore more exposed to microorganisms, have a lower risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as asthma.' It appears that exposure to nature positively influences the gut microbiome of these children.
To better understand how microorganisms interact with the human body, Fu uses advanced technologies such as bacterial culturists and organ-on-a-chip. This technique allows her to simulate what happens inside the human body in a lab setting, without needing to test directly on humans.
She also works with data from large-scale population studies such as LifeLines, in which thousands of residents from the north of the Netherlands have donated stool samples. By combining this data with genetic and lifestyle information, Fu aims to unravel the complex interplay between genes, the gut microbiome, and health.
One of Fu’s most important projects is BugDrug, supported by a €2 million ERC Consolidator Grant. This research investigates whether changes in the gut microbiome can help make medicines more effective and reduce side effects. For example, can antidepressants or cholesterol-lowering drugs work better if a patient's microbiome is first adjusted?
Fu’s mission is to place microbiome research at the heart of healthcare in the Netherlands. She is working to establish the country as a global leader in this field. While she considers her KNAW membership a great honour, she sees it as a recognition of the collective effort of her team. 'I could never have done this research without my colleagues. This honour belongs to them as well.'
To support microbiome research, Fu co-founded the Groningen Microbiome Hub together with colleagues. This facility brings together experts from a range of disciplines to study the microbiome and develop new treatment methods. The hub serves as a centre for collaboration and innovation in microbiome science.
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