Predictors for OWOB in children with Prader Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare and complex neurodevelopmental genetic disorder and the most common syndromic form of obesity. Attempts to Controlling weight in PWS through lifestyle means are challenging. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in the development and maintenance of obesity, indicating a potentially new therapeutic target for controlling weight in PWS. However, there is limited research available regarding the gut microbiome in PWS, and even more limited understanding of how microbiota influence PWS-related obesity. Here, we sequenced bacterial and fungal DNA from fecal samples of 25 children with PWS and 25 healthy controls. We found signatures within the fecal microbiome that associated specifically with PWS. We also observed different inter-kingdom interaction networks among subgroups stratified by PWS and weight status. Furthermore, we identified microbial predictors for weight status unique to the PWS group. The results provide potential targets for intervention of PWS-related obesity.