The PEARL-AGE Study. Multigenerational Gut Bacteria Transmission and Its Stability in Families.
The PEARL-AGE Study is trying to understand more about the tiny living things, called microbes, that live in our gut. We know these microbes are important for our health, but we don't fully understand how they are passed from one person to another, especially within families. This study will look at up to four generations of the same family – from great-grandparents to babies – to see how these gut microbes change and stay the same over time. We want to see if certain 'gut bugs' stick around for many generations, adapting to the family. By studying entire families, we hope to learn how these microbes are shared between family members and how they evolve, which could really help us understand more about gut health for everyone.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called PEARL-AGE, is all about the little living organisms, mainly bacteria, that live in our digestive system. We often call this collection of organisms our 'gut microbiome' or 'gut bugs.' Scientists and the public have become very interested in these gut bugs because they play a big role in our health, but there's still a lot we don't know about them.
The main idea behind this study is to see how these gut bugs are passed down through generations within the same family. Think of it like a family tree, but for microbes! Researchers want to trace these tiny organisms from great-grandparents all the way to babies, looking at up to four generations. They believe that some of these gut bugs might be very stable and stay with a family for a long time, adapting to that family's particular environment and genes.
By carefully studying different family members – including siblings, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents – the researchers hope to understand how these microbes are shared both within the same generation (like between siblings) and between different generations (from parents to children). This research is important because it could give us a much clearer picture of how our internal microbial world is shaped by our family history and how these important gut bugs evolve over many years. This deeper understanding could eventually lead to new ways to improve gut health.
Key takeaways
- The study explores how gut bacteria are passed down through families.
- It involves up to four generations, from great-grandparents to babies.
- The goal is to understand how these 'gut bugs' change and stay stable over time.
- Participation involves providing samples and answering questionnaires.
- The research helps us understand gut health and microbial evolution.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you must be part of a family that includes someone already participating in the PEARL study (usually a mother or baby). We are looking for various family members connected to this PEARL study participant, such as their husband or partner, and their parents and grandparents. We are also interested in the PEARL mother's parents and grandparents (who would be the great-grandparents to the PEARL baby).
Other family members who might be able to join include non-biological fathers, like stepfathers or partners of the PEARL mother, as long as they live with her and have been for at least three months, along with their parents and grandparents. Biological siblings of the PEARL baby or step-siblings who live with the baby can also take part. Everyone over 18 needs to be able to fully understand and agree to participate themselves, while for children, a parent or guardian will need to give permission. Participants must live in England.
Unfortunately, you cannot take part if you are not connected to a PEARL study participant, or if the PEARL participant has left their study. If a stepfather or partner has lived with the PEARL mother for less than three months, they can't join. Also, if you are in prison or if you are related to or live with a member of the research team, you won't be able to participate. We need everyone to be able to give their clear, written agreement to be in the study.
- Are you related to someone already in the PEARL study (a mother or baby)?
- Are you a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent of a PEARL study baby?
- Are you a husband, partner, or step-parent (living together for 3+ months) of a PEARL mother, or their parents/grandparents?
- Are you a biological or step-sibling of a PEARL baby, living with them?
- Do you live in England?
- Can you understand information about the study and give your consent to take part (or is there a parent/guardian for a child participant)?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the researchers will ask for some samples to study your gut microbes. You'll likely be asked to provide stool (poo) samples. You might also be asked to answer some questionnaires about your health and lifestyle. The study aims to look at up to four generations of your family, so multiple family members would be involved. You'll need to be able to store biological samples in a cool box until they can be collected by the study team, unless you have direct access to their freezer. The total duration of your participation isn't specified, but it's focused on understanding how microbes are passed through generations, so it might involve providing samples at certain points over time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Quadram Institute BiosciencesNorwich, United Kingdom
Common questions
What are 'gut microbes'?
Gut microbes are tiny living things, mostly bacteria, that live in your intestines. They help with digestion and can affect your overall health.
Why is it important to study families?
Studying families helps us see how gut microbes are passed down and change across different generations, as well as how they are shared between people living in the same home.
Will I get any results from my own samples?
The study aims to gather general knowledge about gut microbes in families, not to provide individual health reports. You likely won't receive specific results about your own samples, but the study team can clarify this for you.
Do I have to live in England to take part?
Yes, to be eligible for this study, all participants must be living in England.
What if I change my mind after joining?
You are free to leave the study at any point, for any reason, without having to explain why.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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