Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

This One Gut Microbe Could Decide If Cancer Treatment Works | William Li

Feb 6, 2026

William Li, physician-scientist known for gut microbiome and metabolism research, talks about Akkermansia muciniphila and its surprising roles. He covers how this keystone microbe links to insulin sensitivity, GLP-1 release, vascular and brain effects. He also explores associations between Akkermansia and cancer immunotherapy response, plus clinical implications for patient care.

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INSIGHT

Keystone Bacterium For Metabolism

Akkermansia muciniphila is a recently discovered keystone gut bacterium that improves insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.
William Li highlights clinical studies showing it can lower hemoglobin A1c and sharpen metabolic control.

INSIGHT

Microbe Links To GLP-1 And Circulation

Akkermansia can stimulate the body's release of GLP-1, a hormone affecting metabolism and blood vessels.
GLP-1 receptors exist on blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain, linking gut microbes to circulation and brain health.

INSIGHT

Gut Microbe Predicts Immunotherapy Response

Research found a strong association between Akkermansia presence and positive responses to cancer immunotherapy.
Laurence Vogel's study showed responders had Akkermansia while non-responders lacked it, suggesting gut microbes affect immunotherapy success.

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Curious what Akkermansia actually does for your health? It’s discussed here as a keystone gut microbe linked to improved insulin sensitivity, lower A1C in clinical studies, GLP-1 release and healthier blood vessels, with associations to cancer immunotherapy response. This clip explores the gut brain circulation connection, how metabolism and energy relate to this microbe, and why people considering immunotherapy might also focus on gut health. We also touch on the importance of discussing immunotherapy with an oncologist and staying within medical advice boundaries.

William Li in conversation with Sarah Ann

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