Breakthrough: Genetically engineered gut microbes target oxalate

Scientists at Stanford University have genetically modified a common gut bacterium called Phocaeicola vulgatus to safely break down oxalate, the compound responsible for most kidney stones.

According to a study published in Science and reported by Science News Today, the modified bacteria can metabolize oxalate directly in the gut, preventing it from reaching the kidneys and forming painful crystals, CE Report quotes ATA.

What makes this approach particularly promising is its built-in safety mechanism.

The modified bacteria rely on a special nutrient called porphyran, a complex sugar found in seaweed. Humans cannot digest porphyran, but the modified bacteria can. This allows researchers to control their activity by adding or removing porphyran from the diet.

Without porphyran, the bacteria have no fuel and die naturally.

In lab tests with mice, the treatment reduced urinary oxalate levels by 47%, and in models simulating human conditions such as gastric bypass–induced hyperoxaluria, the bacteria completely prevented oxalate buildup.

Early tests in healthy humans also showed promising results, although further studies are needed before clinical use.