New Study Links Gut Makeup to Celiac Disease Pathogenesis (Feb 2026, n=12,652) The HUNT study identifies host genetic factors reproducibly associated with human gut microbiota composition Genetics

[Michael Harrop]

https://www.medcentral.com/gastroenterology/new-study-links-gut-makeup-to-celiac-disease-pathogenesis
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-026-02502-4

this is the first GWAS evidence to link genetic variation in humans to functional features of the gut microbiota

Overall, the HUNT study is very fascinating, bringing to light the delicate interplay of genetic predisposition and the microbiome

This finding identifies host genetic variants that influence gut microbiota composition and disease susceptibility, providing mechanistic insights into autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions

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Abstract​

The gut microbiota is associated with human health and disease. Here we conducted a genome-wide association study of host genetic factors influencing gut microbiota composition in 12,652 individuals from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), with replication in Nordic cohorts (n = 16,017–21,976).

We identified 12 reproducible SNP–species associations across six genomic loci, including known (LCT, ABO) and novel (HLA-DQB1, MUC12, SLC37A2, FUT2) regions. Additionally, we detected genetic signals associated with gut microbiota functional modules at three loci (LCT, ABO, FUT2). Follow-up analyses suggest that these host–microbiota associations are linked to the pathogenesis of celiac disease and hemorrhoidal disease.

Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence supporting a causal effect of body mass index on gut microbiota composition. These findings highlight the interplay between host genetics and gut microbiota for human health and disease.

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