The human gut contains trillions of microbes, called the gut microbiome. Each person has a unique network of microbes in their gut. Some of these microbes are beneficial, while others are harmful. The gut microbiome communicates with the brain in a bidirectional manner, meaning that the gut communicates with the brain and the brain communicates with the gut. This pattern of communication is called the gut microbiome brain axis. Recently, preclinical (animal) recent has shown that chronic alcohol use can change the gut microbiome in rodents. People with an alcohol use disorder may also have an altered gut microbiome.

This project seeks to characterize the gut microbiome brain axis in people with an alcohol use disorder and people without an alcohol use disorder. To do this work, we collect fecal samples, blood samples, and questionnaire data. We also collect functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to understand investigate the brain. 

The specific aims of this project are: 
(1) to identify the gut microbiota discriminating individuals with AUD from controls; 
(2) to evaluate the relationship between the gut microbiome and AUD phenomenology; and 
(3) to test the relationship between gut microbiota and a brain- based biomarker for AUD. 

The successful completion of this study will provide the first data linking the microbiome-gut-brain axis to AUD in a clinical sample.  Next we will use this data to develop special treatments that target harmful gut microbiota to help people with an alcohol use disorder.