Article
Microbiology
Arpita Aditya, Shaik O. Rahaman, Debabrata Biswas
Summary: This study demonstrated that metabolites from Lactobacillus casei can inhibit the growth of enterohemorrhagic E. coli and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in a simulated rumen system, indicating a potential method for controlling the spread of cattle-borne pathogens like EHEC.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marion Avril, R. William DePaolo
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health problem globally, with gut microbiota playing an important role in the disease's etiology. Further research is needed to clarify the specific roles of bacteria in CRC development.
Article
Microbiology
Yanli Du, Xiangyu Wang, Zongli Han, Ying Hua, Kaina Yan, Bao Zhang, Wei Zhao, Chengsong Wan
Summary: The study demonstrates the essential role of PPK1 in both survival and virulence of EHEC O157:H7, with deletion of ppk1 gene leading to decreased survival rate under heat stress and acid tolerance, as well as reduced adhesion, formation of attaching and effacing lesions, invasion ability, and overall virulence in vivo. These findings suggest that PPK1 is crucial for the pathogenesis of EHEC O157:H7.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sahar Eshghjoo, Arul Jayaraman, Yuxiang Sun, Robert C. Alaniz
Summary: Microbiota-derived metabolites such as tryptophan-derived compounds and trimethylamine-N-oxide play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Microbiota-induced effects on innate immunity in response to atherogenic stimuli are significant factors in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Stefanie L. Vogt, Antonio Serapio-Palacios, Sarah E. Woodward, Andrew S. Santos, Stefan P. W. de Vries, Michelle C. Daigneault, Lisa V. Brandmeier, Andrew J. Grant, Duncan J. Maskell, Emma Allen-Vercoe, B. Brett Finlay
Summary: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) adjusts its metabolism and activates stress responses to adapt to the presence of gut microbiota metabolites. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which pathogens adapt to competing microbes in the host environment may lead to the development of therapies to enhance colonization resistance and prevent infection.
Article
Immunology
Lei Chen, Sai Wang, Yupeng Zhang, Ye Li, Xiangbin Zhang, Junyi Ma, Xuelun Zou, TianXing Yao, Si Li, Junyou Chen, Huifang Zhou, Lianxu Wu, Yanhong Zhou, Le Zhang
Summary: The gut microbiome and its metabolites are associated with the severity of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Nitasana Rajkumari, Soni Chowrasia, Jyoti Nishad, Showkat Ahmad Ganie, Tapan Kumar Mondal
Summary: This study discusses the role of salinity responsive metabolites in rice and its wild species. Salinity stress severely affects rice productivity, and while many important physiological and molecular responses have been studied, the role of salt stress and microbes-induced metabolites in overcoming salt stress in rice has been less explored. Metabolomic studies have allowed for a comprehensive analysis of rice salt stress responses. This review discusses the alterations in various metabolites triggered by salt stress in rice and their significant roles in salinity tolerance, including as signaling molecules and protective agents. The accumulation of metabolites induced by salinity stress varies between salt-sensitive and tolerant rice genotypes, contributing to their different degrees of salt tolerance. Additionally, certain tolerance metabolites may induce unique pathways for defense mechanisms in salt-tolerant rice varieties, suggesting their potential roles as universal biomarkers for salt tolerance. The review also explores the involvement of rhizosphere microbes in rice salt tolerance. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into salt-induced metabolites in different rice genotypes and their relationships with stress genes, offering a reference point for biomarker design in rice. It also helps to decipher metabolic systems associated with salt tolerance in rice, which can be useful for developing salt-tolerant rice cultivars through conventional breeding, genetic engineering, or exogenous application of metabolites.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sohyoung Lee, Sean Inzerillo, Gi Young Lee, Erick M. Bosire, Saroj K. Mahato, Jeongmin Song
Summary: Glycans play a crucial role in bacterial pathogenesis and host responses against pathogens. Interactions between bacterial and host glycans can benefit the pathogen, host, or both. Technological advances in glycoscience have accelerated research and offer valuable insights into antibacterial strategies to combat drug-resistant pathogens on a global scale.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiming Li, Yanmei Ju, Jingjing Xia, Zhe Zhang, Hefu Zhen, Xin Tong, Yuzhe Sun, Haorong Lu, Yang Zong, Peishan Chen, Kaiye Cai, Zhen Wang, Huanming Yang, Jiucun Wang, Jian Wang, Yong Hou, Xin Jin, Tao Zhang, Wenwei Zhang, Xun Xu, Liang Xiao, Ruijin Guo, Chao Nie
Summary: This study used deep-shotgun sequencing to analyze 450 facial samples and 2069 publicly available skin metagenomic datasets, and constructed a Unified Human Skin Genome (UHSG) catalog containing 813 prokaryotic species. The core functions of the skin microbiome were described based on the UHSG, and differences in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and drug resistance functions among different phyla were identified. Additionally, analysis of near-complete genomes revealed 1220 putative novel secondary metabolites. The UHSG provides a convenient reference database for studying the role of skin microorganisms in the skin.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reem H. Almalki, Malak A. Jaber, Mysoon M. Al-Ansari, Khalid M. Sumaily, Monther Al-Alwan, Essa M. Sabi, Abeer K. Malkawi, Anas M. Abdel Rahman
Summary: According to studies, the microbiome, specifically E. coli, can alter the metabolism of breast cancer cells through its secretome by disrupting key metabolic pathways. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics was used to analyze the intracellular and extracellular metabolites of MCF-7 cells exposed to E. coli secretome. Significant alterations in 31 intracellular and 55 extracellular metabolites were observed, indicating the dysregulation of several metabolic pathways. These microbial metabolites from the secretome hold promise as biomarkers for drug resistance or innovative approaches for cancer treatment.
Article
Plant Sciences
Varsha Tirumalai, Anushree Narjala, Chenna Swetha, G. Vivek Hari Sundar, T. N. Sujith, P. Shivaprasad
Summary: In-depth comparative degradome analysis of two domesticated grape cultivars reveals differential miRNA-mediated targeting, which may contribute to variations in secondary metabolic pathways.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Andrea Martinez Aguirre, Joseph A. Sorg
Summary: Clostridioides difficile, a nosocomial pathogen, is a burden to the healthcare system. Disruption of the gut microbiome, commonly caused by broad-spectrum antibiotics, creates a susceptible state for CDI. Various metabolites produced by the host and/or gut microbiota interact with C. difficile, affecting its germination, growth, and colonization. Understanding the interactions between C. difficile and the host's gut microbiome and metabolites becomes more relevant as non-antibiotic CDI treatment advances.
Article
Microbiology
Menglu Jin, Jingchao Chen, Xueyang Zhao, Guoru Hu, Hailei Wang, Zhi Liu, Wei-Hua Chen
Summary: Bacteriophages are effective alternatives to traditional antimicrobial agents and can modulate the gut microbiota. Researchers engineered a phage to specifically target and eliminate a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli, showing enhanced killing ability without affecting other strains or causing resistance. This study highlights the potential of engineered phages for targeted treatment and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Adam Chin-Fatt, Rima Menassa
Summary: Chimeric fusion proteins consisting of VHH and Fc fragments show increased accumulation when targeted to the chloroplast thylakoid lumen, indicating the potential of this compartment for stable folding of disulfide-containing recombinant proteins.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Emma N. Kerr, Bhavya Papudeshi, Miranda Haggerty, Natasha Wild, Asha Z. Goodman, Lais F. O. Lima, Ryan D. Hesse, Amber Skye, Vijini Mallawaarachchi, Shaili Johri, Sophia Parker, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale
Summary: Marine host-associated microbiomes are influenced by both species-specific and habitat-specific factors. The epidermal microbiomes of two ray species, Myliobatis californica and Urobatis halleri, were compared to assess the effects of host phylogeny and habitat. The microbiomes were found to be species-specific, with M. californica showing more variability between individuals. Despite taxonomic differences, the diversity of U. halleri microbiomes remained constant across two locations, suggesting local adaptations. The stingray mucus supported high microbial growth rates and contained novel microbial species with antimicrobial properties.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elora Fournier, Charlene Roussel, Alessandra Dominicis, Delphine Ley, Marie-Agnes Peyron, Valerie Collado, Muriel Mercier-Bonin, Christophe Lacroix, Monique Alric, Tom Van de Wiele, Christophe Chassard, Lucie Etienne-Mesmin, Stephanie Blanquet-Diot
Summary: This article reviews the development of child gut physiology and the use of in vitro models to study it. Research has shown that the child digestive tract undergoes significant changes in the first few years of life, including colonization of gut microbiota and exposure to environmental compounds. In vitro models are increasingly used due to ethical and technical limitations, and can simulate different stages of digestion from the oral phase to the colon compartment. These models have important applications in nutritional, pharmaceutical, and microbiological studies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Benoit Pugin, Serafina Pluss, Denisa Mujezinovic, Rikke C. Nielsen, Christophe Lacroix
Summary: The study evaluated UV-spectrophotometric and H2O2-based fluorescent assays to identify uricase activity in different bacterial species. The results showed that the UV-spectrophotometric method using whole bacterial suspension is a feasible and high-throughput approach for screening uricase activity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Julia Isenring, Marc J. A. Stevens, Christoph Jans, Christophe Lacroix, Annelies Geirnaert
Summary: This study investigates the colonization process of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in the in vitro colonic community, showing that colonization levels are dependent on the microbiota features rather than the introduction parameters. The study also demonstrates that the carrying capacity decreases over time and is correlated with richness and evenness. The findings provide important insights into colonizer-microbiota interactions and probiotic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sabrine Naimi, Severine Zirah, Anna Greppi, Christophe Lacroix, Sylvie Rebuffat, Ismail Fliss
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of MccJ25 on the composition and metabolic activity of the swine colonic microbiota in vitro. The results showed that MccJ25 only caused subtle changes in microbial diversity and metabolome, while rifampicin induced significant modification in amino acid levels. Although further validation is needed in vivo, this study provides a first proof of concept for considering MccJ25 as an alternative to antibiotics for veterinary and farming applications, considering its pathogen-selective and potent inhibitory activity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Megan M. Sperry, Richard Novak, Vishal Keshari, Alexandre L. M. Dinis, Mark J. Cartwright, Diogo M. Camacho, Jean-Francois Pare, Michael Super, Michael Levin, Donald E. Ingber
Summary: Current therapeutic strategies against bacterial infections mainly rely on antibiotics to reduce pathogen load. However, stimulating host tolerance to infection in the presence of pathogens may provide an alternative approach. By using computational transcriptomics and Xenopus laevis embryos, researchers have discovered infection response pathways and identified potential drugs that can induce broad tolerance. Xenopus exhibits natural tolerance to certain bacteria, while others cause lethal infections. Gene pathways associated with active tolerance in Xenopus are found to be conserved across species. Administering certain drugs to Xenopus embryos infected with lethal bacteria increases survival rates.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Van T. Pham, Anna Greppi, Christophe Chassard, Christian Braegger, Christophe Lacroix
Summary: This study provides important insights into the colonization of functional groups involved in lactate metabolism and butyrate production in the first two years of life. The research revealed dynamic changes in the gut microbiota of infants, with a switch from Veillonella producing propionate in the first year to Anaerobutyrycum hallii producing butyrate in the second year. Additionally, the weaning period between 6 and 10 months was identified as a significant time for an increase in butyrate producers and fecal butyrate concentration. Correlation analyses also suggested the metabolic cross-feeding of hydrogen in infants, which is a new finding in this study.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Alejandro Ramirez Garcia, Katherine Hurley, Giovanni Marastoni, Mederic Diard, Sophie Hofer, Anna Greppi, Wolf-Dietrich Hardt, Christophe Lacroix, Shana J. Sturla, Clarissa Schwab
Summary: GDH-competent microbes have the ability to produce acrolein from glycerol, which can result in the formation of DNA adducts. However, high concentrations of glycerol are required for this process.
CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Thomas C. A. Hitch, Lindsay J. Hall, Sarah Kate Walsh, Gabriel E. Leventhal, Emma Slack, Tomas de Wouters, Jens Walter, Thomas Clavel
Summary: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating host responses to disease-relevant exposures and stimuli, particularly through its interactions with the immune system. Emerging evidence suggests the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of microbiome-based interventions, which can vary in their application and mechanisms of action. This review evaluates the experimental evidence for such interventions, with a focus on their clinical relevance, ecological effects, and modulation of the immune system.
MUCOSAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vanesa Natalin Rocha Martin, Christophe Del'Homme, Christophe Chassard, Clarissa Schwab, Christian Braegger, Annick Bernalier-Donadille, Christophe Lacroix
Summary: In recent years, the relationship between gut microbiota and host health has been a major focus of research. Using animal models inoculated with infant fecal samples, researchers have found that an imbalance in gut microbiota and abnormal lactate metabolism appear to be the main causes of infant colic. They also identified a correlation between excessive H-2 production and certain bacteria in the infant gut, suggesting that an overproduction of H-2 may contribute to colic. Additionally, supplementation of specific bacteria, such as Cutibacterium avidum P279, was found to reduce colic symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Palni Kundra, Annelies Geirnaert, Benoit Pugin, Paola Morales Martinez, Christophe Lacroix, Anna Greppi
Summary: This study investigated the B12 production of human fecal microbiota and the effects of different levels of B12 on composition and activity. The results showed that healthy human gut microbial communities have the capacity to produce B12 independently of dietary intake, and supplementation of exogenous B12 may have limited impact on the gut microbial community composition and function.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Fabienne Kurt, Gabriel E. Leventhal, Marianne Rebecca Spalinger, Laura Anthamatten, Philipp Rogalla von Bieberstein, Carmen Menzi, Markus Reichlin, Marco Meola, Florian Rosenthal, Gerhard Rogler, Christophe Lacroix, Tomas de Wouters
Summary: By selecting nine strains and continuous co-culturing, a stable microbial consortium that emulates the central metabolic pathways of carbohydrate fermentation in the healthy human gut microbiota was constructed. The function-based consortium showed an efficacy comparable to FMT in counteracting acute colitis, while an equivalent mix of strains failed to match FMT. The approach of combining a bottom-up functional design with continuous co-cultivation is proposed as a powerful strategy to produce robust functionally designed synthetic consortia for therapeutic use.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Antoine Chauveau, Annelies Geirnaert, Angela Babst, Andrea Treyer, Christophe Lacroix, Matthias Hamburger, Olivier Potterat
Summary: California poppy products are commonly used for treating nervousness, anxiety and sleeping disorders. This study investigated the alkaloid content in commercial preparations, their absorption in the intestines, and their metabolism by gut microbiota. The results showed that the alkaloids had no significant impact on microbial activity and viability.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lea Bircher, Alain M. Sourabie, Marijana Paurevic, Janina Hochuli, Annelies Geirnaert, Chloe Navas, Benoit Drogue, Christophe Lacroix
Summary: In this study, we evaluated different yeast-based nutrients and B-vitamins for the cultivation of Faecalibacterium duncaniae A2-165. The results showed that yeast extracts promoted the growth of this microorganism, while yeast peptones and yeast cell wall product lacked essential growth factors. Additionally, B5 vitamin was identified as a strong growth promoter. Selecting nutritionally suitable yeast-based nutrients and combining them with other key nutrients can optimize the production of this microorganism with high yields.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)