Convergence of Circadian Rhythms and Gut Microbes: Maintaining the Metronome of Life

Join the IAFNS Gut Microbiome Committee and the nutrition science community on September 7 for a dialogue with Dr. Vanessa Leone of the University of Wisconsin-Madison on her work elucidating the role of the gut microbiome in maintaining circadian rhythms and metabolism. The webinar is free and open to all. Circadian rhythms are governed by the body’s internal clock, driving day vs. night patterns in physiological functions including sleep, meal timing, and metabolism. While the microbiome in general exhibits stability throughout the lifetime of healthy individuals, recent research has revealed the gut microbiota also exhibits day vs. night patterns that are tightly aligned with our feeding behavior and dietary intake. High fat, low fiber diets disrupt gut microbiota day vs. night patterns, which contributes to the development of metabolic disorders. Here, we will focus on the dynamic of gut microbiota rhythms and how the trillions of potential gut microbial clocks can influence our own rhythmic behaviors and metabolism.