Smart Probiotic GIFT: Sensing Sugar, Releasing GLP-1

Researchers from East China Normal University engineered an oral probiotic called GIFT that resides briefly in the gut, senses real-time blood glucose elevations, and autonomously secretes GLP-1 to lower glucose levels. In tests with mice and non-human primates, it improved glycemic control and lipid profiles, and human trials are planned, offering a potential on-demand alternative to some insulin regimens and traditional GLP-1 therapies in the future.