SCIENCE

The Science Behind MastGut

At Akesis Biologics, we believe that advanced science should be accessible — and effective — for everyday health. That’s why we created MastGut, a first-of-its-kind gut health supplement developed from years of biomedical research at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Its core ingredient, DUSP10, is not something you’ll find in regular probiotics or over-the-counter gut aids — and it’s changing the way we think about digestive health and colorectal protection.

🧬 What is DUSP10?
DUSP10 (Dual Specificity Phosphatase 10) is an enzyme naturally found in the human body. It plays a key role in regulating cell signaling pathways, especially the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) pathways, which control inflammation, cell growth, and immune response.

In the gut, these pathways can go into overdrive during chronic inflammation — a condition that increases the risk of developing serious diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. DUSP10 helps restore balance by “switching off” excessive MAPK signaling, especially the ERK1/2 pathway, which is often overactive in cancerous or inflamed cells.

In fact, research has shown that higher levels of DUSP10 in the gut are linked to better survival in colorectal cancer patients, while loss of DUSP10 function leads to faster tumor growth and increased inflammation. These findings were published in the high-impact journal Nature Oncogene by our founding scientists.

🚀 How Does MastGut Deliver DUSP10 into the Gut?

This is where MastGut’s innovation truly shines.

You can’t simply swallow DUSP10 as a pill — it would be destroyed by stomach acid or digested before it reaches the colon. So we use a natural, food-grade probiotic bacteria called Lactococcus lactis as a delivery vehicle.

Here’s how it works:

Genetically Engineered Probiotic - We modify L. lactis to carry a non-replicating plasmid containing the human DUSP10 gene.
Targeted Delivery - After oral ingestion, the probiotic passes safely through the stomach and reaches the gut, where it transfers the DUSP10 gene into local gut lining cells.
Local Protein Expression - Once inside the cells, DUSP10 is produced where it’s needed most — at the site of inflammation or risk — without affecting the rest of the body.
Natural Elimination - The bacteria don’t colonize your gut or alter your microbiome. They serve as a vehicle and are naturally cleared from the body.

What Does MastGut Do in the Body?

Once the DUSP10 protein is produced in the gut lining, it performs a multi-layered role:

🧯 Reduces Chronic Inflammation - It controls the body’s inflammatory response, helping with bloating, cramping, and gut discomfort.
🔬 Promotes Gut Lining Repair - It improves the healing of intestinal epithelial cells, strengthening the gut barrier.
🧬 Suppresses Tumor-Related Signals - By inhibiting overactive ERK/MAPK signaling, DUSP10 may help prevent abnormal cell growth associated with colorectal cancer.
🌿 Supports Overall Gut Balance - Regular use of MastGut helps maintain a healthier gut environment, contributing to better digestion, immunity, and energy levels.