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Mancabelli L, Milani C, De Biase R, Bocchio F, Fontana F, Lugli GA, Alessandri G, Tarracchini C, Viappiani A, De Conto F, Nouvenne A, Ticinesi A, Bussolati O, Meschi T, Cecchi R, Turroni F, Ventura M. Taxonomic and metabolic development of the human gut microbiome across life stages: a worldwide metagenomic investigation. mSystems 2024; 9:e0129423. [PMID: 38441032 PMCID: PMC11019788 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01294-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota is a dynamic community of microorganisms that undergo variable changes over the entire life span. To thoroughly investigate the possible fluctuations of the microbiota throughout human life, we performed a pooled analysis of healthy fecal samples across different age groups covering the entire human life span. Our study integrated data from 79 publicly available studies and new stool samples from an Italian cohort, i.e., the Parma Microbiota project, resulting in 6,653 samples processed through the shotgun metagenomic approach. This approach has allowed species-level taxonomic reconstruction of the gut microbiota and investigation of its metabolic potential across the human life span. From a taxonomic point of view, our findings confirmed and detailed at species-level accuracy that the microbial richness of the gut microbiota gradually increases in the first stage of life, becoming relatively stable during adolescence. Moreover, the analysis identified the potential core microbiota representative of distinct age groups, revealing age-related bacterial patterns and the continuous rearrangement of the microbiota in terms of relative abundances across the life span rather than the acquisition and loss of taxa. Furthermore, the shotgun approach provided insights into the functional contribution of the human gut microbiome. The metagenomic analysis revealed functional age-related differences, particularly in carbohydrate and fiber metabolism, suggesting a co-evolution of the microbiome assembly with diet. Additionally, we identified correlations between vitamin synthesis, such as thiamine and niacin, and early life, suggesting a potential role of the microbiome in human physiology, in particular in the functions of the host's nervous and immune systems. IMPORTANCE In this study, we provided comprehensive insights into the dynamic nature of the human gut microbiota across the human life span. In detail, we analyzed a large data set based on a shotgun metagenomic approach, combining public data sets and new samples from the Parma Microbiota project and obtaining a detailed overview of the possible relationship between gut microbiota development and aging. Our findings confirmed the main stages in microbial richness development and revealed specific core microbiota associated with different age stages. Moreover, the shotgun metagenomic approach allowed the disentangling of the functional changes in the microbiome across the human life span, particularly in diet-related metabolism, which is probably correlated to bacterial co-evolution with dietary habits. Notably, our study also uncovered positive correlations with vitamin synthesis in early life, suggesting a possible impact of the microbiota on human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mancabelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rosita De Biase
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabiana Bocchio
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonio Nouvenne
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Ticinesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Ovidio Bussolati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Meschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Rossana Cecchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Lordan C, Roche AK, Delsing D, Nauta A, Groeneveld A, MacSharry J, Cotter PD, van Sinderen D. Linking human milk oligosaccharide metabolism and early life gut microbiota: bifidobacteria and beyond. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0009423. [PMID: 38206006 PMCID: PMC10966949 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00094-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex, multi-functional glycans present in human breast milk. They represent an intricate mix of heterogeneous structures which reach the infant intestine in an intact form as they resist gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, they confer a multitude of benefits, directly and/or indirectly, to the developing neonate. Certain bifidobacterial species, being among the earliest gut colonizers of breast-fed infants, have an adapted functional capacity to metabolize various HMO structures. This ability is typically observed in infant-associated bifidobacteria, as opposed to bifidobacteria associated with a mature microbiota. In recent years, information has been gleaned regarding how these infant-associated bifidobacteria as well as certain other taxa are able to assimilate HMOs, including the mechanistic strategies enabling their acquisition and consumption. Additionally, complex metabolic interactions occur between microbes facilitated by HMOs, including the utilization of breakdown products released from HMO degradation. Interest in HMO-mediated changes in microbial composition and function has been the focal point of numerous studies, in recent times fueled by the availability of individual biosynthetic HMOs, some of which are now commonly included in infant formula. In this review, we outline the main HMO assimilatory and catabolic strategies employed by infant-associated bifidobacteria, discuss other taxa that exhibit breast milk glycan degradation capacity, and cover HMO-supported cross-feeding interactions and related metabolites that have been described thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Lordan
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
| | - Aoife K. Roche
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Arjen Nauta
- FrieslandCampina, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | | | - John MacSharry
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D. Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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3
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Tarracchini C, Milani C, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Turroni F, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. The infant gut microbiota as the cornerstone for future gastrointestinal health. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2024; 126:93-119. [PMID: 38637108 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The early postnatal period represents a critical window of time for the establishment and maturation of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota undergoes dramatic developmental changes during the first year of life, being influenced by a variety of external factors, with diet being a major player. Indeed, the introduction of complementary feeding provides novel nutritive substrates and triggers a shift from milk-adapted gut microbiota toward an adult-like bacterial composition, which is characterized by an enhancement in diversity and proportions of fiber-degrading bacterial genera like Ruminococcus, Prevotella, Eubacterium, and Bacteroides genera. Inadequate gut microbiota development in early life is frequently associated with concomitant and future adverse health conditions. Thus, understanding the processes that govern initial colonization and establishment of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract is of great importance. This review summarizes the actual understanding of the assembly and development of the microbial community associated with the infant gut, emphasizing the importance of mother-to-infant vertical transmission events as a fundamental arrival route for the first colonizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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4
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Kassai S, de Vos P. Gastrointestinal barrier function, immunity, and neurocognition: The role of human milk oligosaccharide (hMO) supplementation in infant formula. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13271. [PMID: 38284595 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Breastmilk is seen as the gold standard for infant nutrition as it provides nutrients and compounds that stimulate gut barrier, immune, and brain development to the infant. However, there are many instances where it is not possible for an infant to be fed with breastmilk, especially for the full 6 months recommended by the World Health Organization. In such instances, infant formula is seen as the next best approach. However, infant formulas do not contain human milk oligosaccharides (hMOs), which are uniquely present in human milk as the third most abundant solid component. hMOs have been linked to many health benefits, such as the development of the gut microbiome, the immune system, the intestinal barrier, and a healthy brain. This paper reviews the effects of specific hMOs applied in infant formula on the intestinal barrier, including the not-often-recognized intestinal alkaline phosphatase system that prevents inflammation. Additionally, impact on immunity and the current proof for effects in neurocognitive function and the corresponding mechanisms are discussed. Recent studies suggest that hMOs can alter gut microbiota, modulate intestinal immune barrier function, and promote neurocognitive function. The hMOs 2'-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose have been found to have positive effects on the development of infants and have been deemed safe for use in formula. However, their use has been limited due to their cost and complexity of synthesis. Thus, although many benefits have been described, complex hMOs and combinations of hMOs with other oligosaccharides are the best approach to stimulate gut barrier, immune, and brain development and for the prevention of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Kassai
- Immunoendocrinology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul de Vos
- Immunoendocrinology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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5
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McKenna BG, Dunlop AL, Corwin E, Smith AK, Venkateswaran S, Brennan PA. Intergenerational and early life associations of the gut microbiome and stress-related symptomatology among Black American mothers and children. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 31:100651. [PMID: 37449285 PMCID: PMC10336162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that maternal childhood adversity may have an intergenerational impact, with children of adversity-exposed mothers exhibiting elevated symptoms of psychopathology. At the same time, many children demonstrate resilience to these intergenerational effects. Among the variety of factors that likely contribute to resilience, the composition of the gut microbiome may play a role in buffering the negative impacts of trauma and stress. The current prospective cohort study tested the novel hypothesis that offspring gut microbiome composition is a potential moderator in the relationship between maternal exposure to childhood adversity and offspring symptomatology (i.e., internalizing, externalizing, and posttraumatic stress symptoms). Maternal childhood adversity was self-reported during pregnancy via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey, and offspring symptomatology was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist/1.5-5 when offspring were 2-4 years old. Offspring fecal samples were collected between these timepoints (i.e., during 6- to 24-month follow-up visits) for microbiome sequencing. Results indicated that maternal ACEs and the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella were associated with offspring symptomatology. However, there was little evidence that microbial abundance moderated the association between maternal adversity and offspring symptoms. Overall, these findings further our understanding of how the gut microbiome associates with psychopathology, and informs future studies aimed at targeting modifiable factors that may buffer the intergenerational effects of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne L. Dunlop
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Elizabeth Corwin
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Alicia K. Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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6
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Mancabelli L, Milani C, Fontana F, Liotto N, Tabasso C, Perrone M, Lugli GA, Tarracchini C, Alessandri G, Viappiani A, Bernasconi S, Roggero P, Mosca F, Turroni F, Ventura M. A pilot study to disentangle the infant gut microbiota composition and identification of bacteria correlates with high fat mass. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2023; 2:23. [PMID: 38046821 PMCID: PMC10688801 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: At birth, the human intestine is colonized by a complex community of microorganisms known as gut microbiota. These complex microbial communities that inhabit the gut microbiota are thought to play a key role in maintaining host physiological homeostasis. For this reason, correct colonization of the gastrointestinal tract in the early stages of life could be fundamental for human health. Furthermore, alterations of the infant microbiota are correlated with the development of human inflammatory diseases and disorders. In this context, the possible relationships between intestinal microbiota and body composition during infancy are of great interest. Methods: In this study, we have performed a pilot study based on 16S rRNA gene profiling and metagenomic approaches on repeatedly measured data on time involving a cohort of 41 Italian newborns, which is aimed to investigate the possible correlation between body fat mass percentage (FM%) and the infant gut microbiota composition. Results and conclusion: The taxonomical analysis of the stool microbiota of each infant included in the cohort allowed the identification of a specific correlation between intestinal bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Veillonella, and the increase in FM%. Moreover, the analysis of the infant microbiome's metabolic capabilities suggested that the intestinal microbiome functionally impacts the human host and its possible influence on host physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mancabelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma 43125, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Microbiome Research Hub”, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Microbiome Research Hub”, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Nadia Liotto
- NICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Chiara Tabasso
- NICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Michela Perrone
- NICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Bernasconi
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Microbiome Research Hub”, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Paola Roggero
- NICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- NICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Microbiome Research Hub”, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Interdepartmental Research Centre “Microbiome Research Hub”, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
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7
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Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Milani C, Fontana F, Tarracchini C, Alessandri G, van Sinderen D, Turroni F, Ventura M. Comprehensive insights from composition to functional microbe-based biodiversity of the infant human gut microbiota. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:25. [PMID: 37169786 PMCID: PMC10175488 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00392-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During infancy, gut microbiota development is a crucial process involved in the establishment of microbe-host interactions which may persist throughout adulthood, and which are believed to influence host health. To fully understand the complexities of such interactions, it is essential to assess gut microbiota diversity of newborns and its associated microbial dynamics and relationships pertaining to health and disease. To explore microbial biodiversity during the first 3 years of human life, 10,935 shotgun metagenomic datasets were taxonomically and functionally classified. Microbial species distribution between infants revealed the presence of eight major Infant Community State Types (ICSTs), being dominated by 17 bacterial taxa, whose distribution was shown to correspond to the geographical origin and infant health status. In total, 2390 chromosomal sequences of the predominant taxa were reconstructed from metagenomic data and used in combination with 44,987 publicly available genomes to trace the distribution of microbial Population Subspecies (PS) within the different infant groups, revealing patterns of multistrain coexistence among ICSTs. Finally, implementation of a metagenomic- and metatranscriptomic-based metabolic profiling highlighted different enzymatic expression patterns of the gut microbiota that allowed us to acquire insights into mechanistic aspects of health-gut microbiota interplay in newborns. Comparison between metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data highlights how a complex environment like the human gut must be investigated by employing both sequencing methodologies and possibly supplemented with metabolomics approaches. While metagenomic analyses are very useful for microbial classification aimed at unveiling key players driving microbiota balances, using these data to explain functionalities of the microbiota is not always warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, T12YT20, Cork, Ireland
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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8
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Plaza-Diaz J, Ruiz-Ojeda FJ, Morales J, Martín-Masot R, Climent E, Silva Á, Martinez-Blanch JF, Enrique M, Tortajada M, Ramon D, Alvarez B, Chenoll E, Gil Á. Innova 2020: A Follow-Up Study of the Fecal Microbiota of Infants Using a Novel Infant Formula between 6 Months and 12 Months of Age. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7392. [PMID: 37108555 PMCID: PMC10139017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding on demand until at least the sixth month of life. Breast milk or infant formula is the infant's primary food source until the age of one year, followed by the gradual introduction of other foods. During weaning, the intestinal microbiota evolves to a profile close to that of the adult, and its disruption can result in an increased incidence of acute infectious diseases. We aimed to determine whether a novel starting formula (INN) provides gut microbiota compositions more similar to those of breastfed (BF) infants from 6 to 12 months of age compared to a standard formula (STD). This study included 210 infants (70 per group) who completed the intervention until they reached the age of 12 months. In the intervention period, infants were divided into three groups. Group 1 received an INN formula with a lower protein content, a casein to whey protein ratio of approximately 70/30, twice as much docosahexaenoic acid as the STD formula, a thermally inactivated postbiotic (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BPL1TM HT), and twice as much arachidonic acid as the STD formula contained. The second group received the STD formula, while the third group was exclusively BF for exploratory purposes. In the course of the study, visits were conducted at 6 months and 12 months of age. Compared to the BF and STD groups, the Bacillota phylum levels in the INN group were significantly reduced after 6 months. At the end of 6 months, the alpha diversity indices of the BF and INN groups differed significantly from those of the STD group. At 12 months, the Verrucomicrobiota phylum levels in the STD group were significantly lower than those in the BF and INN groups. Based on the comparison between 6 and 12 months, the Bacteroidota phylum levels in the BF group were significantly higher than those in the INN and STD groups. When comparing the INN group with the BF and STD groups, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was significantly higher in the INN group. The STD group had higher levels of calprotectin than the INN and BF groups at 6 months. The immunoglobulin A levels in the STD group were significantly lower than those in the INN and BF groups after 6 months. Both formulas had significantly higher levels of propionic acid than the BF group at 6 months. At 6 months, the STD group showed a higher quantification of all metabolic pathways than the BF group. The INN formula group exhibited similar behavior to the BF group, except for the superpathway of phospholipid biosynthesis (E. coli). We hypothesize that the novel INN formula may promote an intestinal microbiota that is more similar to the microbiota of an infant who consumes only human milk before the weaning period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Plaza-Diaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Francisco Javier Ruiz-Ojeda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- RG Adipocytes and Metabolism, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, 85764 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Centre of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n. Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Morales
- Product Development Department, Alter Farmacia SA, 28880 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Martín-Masot
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Centre of Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n. Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Eric Climent
- ADM-BIOPOLIS, Scientific Park Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Ángela Silva
- ADM-BIOPOLIS, Scientific Park Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain
| | | | - María Enrique
- ADM-BIOPOLIS, Scientific Park Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Marta Tortajada
- ADM-BIOPOLIS, Scientific Park Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Daniel Ramon
- ADM-BIOPOLIS, Scientific Park Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Beatriz Alvarez
- ADM-BIOPOLIS, Scientific Park Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Empar Chenoll
- ADM-BIOPOLIS, Scientific Park Universitat de València, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Ángel Gil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria IBS.GRANADA, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
- RG Adipocytes and Metabolism, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, 85764 Munich, Germany
- CIBEROBN (CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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9
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Exploring species-level infant gut bacterial biodiversity by meta-analysis and formulation of an optimized cultivation medium. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:88. [PMID: 36316342 PMCID: PMC9622858 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00349-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro gut cultivation models provide host-uncoupled, fast, and cost-efficient solutions to investigate the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting on both composition and functionality of the intestinal microbial ecosystem. However, to ensure the maintenance and survival of gut microbial players and preserve their functions, these systems require close monitoring of several variables, including oxygen concentration, pH, and temperature, as well as the use of a culture medium satisfying the microbial nutritional requirements. In this context, in order to identify the macro- and micro-nutrients necessary for in vitro cultivation of the infant gut microbiota, a meta-analysis based on 1669 publicly available shotgun metagenomic samples corresponding to fecal samples of healthy, full-term infants aged from a few days to three years was performed to define the predominant species characterizing the “infant-like” gut microbial ecosystem. A subsequent comparison of growth performances was made using infant fecal samples that contained the most abundant bacterial taxa of the infant gut microbiota, when cultivated on 18 different culture media. This growth analysis was performed by means of flow cytometry-based bacterial cell enumeration and shallow shotgun sequencing, which allowed the formulation of an optimized growth medium, i.e., Infant Gut Super Medium (IGSM), which maintains and sustains the infant gut microbial biodiversity under in vitro growth conditions. Furthermore, this formulation was used to evaluate the in vitro effect of two drugs commonly used in pediatrics, i.e., acetaminophen and simethicone, on the taxonomic composition of the infant gut microbiota.
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10
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Tarracchini C, Fontana F, Mancabelli L, Lugli GA, Alessandri G, Turroni F, Ventura M, Milani C. Gut microbe metabolism of small molecules supports human development across the early stages of life. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1006721. [PMID: 36177457 PMCID: PMC9512645 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1006721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
From birth to adulthood, the human gut-associated microbial communities experience profound changes in their structure. However, while the taxonomical composition has been extensively explored, temporal shifts in the microbial metabolic functionalities related to the metabolism of bioactive small molecules are still largely unexplored. Here, we collected a total of 6,617 publicly available human fecal shotgun metagenomes and 42 metatranscriptomes from infants and adults to explore the dynamic changes of the microbial-derived small molecule metabolisms according to the age-related development of the human gut microbiome. Moreover, by selecting metagenomic data from 250 breastfed and 217 formula-fed infants, we also investigated how feeding types can shape the metabolic functionality of the incipient gut microbiome. From the small molecule metabolism perspective, our findings suggested that the human gut microbial communities are genetically equipped and prepared to metabolically evolve toward the adult state as early as 1 month after birth, although at the age of 4 years, it still appeared functionally underdeveloped compared to adults. Furthermore, in respect of formula-fed newborns, breastfed infants showed enrichment in microbial metabolic functions related to specific amino acids present at low concentrations in human milk, highlighting that the infant gut microbiome has specifically evolved to synthesize bioactive molecules that can complement the human breast milk composition contributing to complete nutritional supply of infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- GenProbio Srl, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marco Ventura,
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Christian Milani,
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11
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Domestic Environment and Gut Microbiota: Lessons from Pet Dogs. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050949. [PMID: 35630391 PMCID: PMC9143008 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data show the involvement of intestinal microbiota in the development and maintenance of numerous diseases. Many environmental factors influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota. An animal model subjected to the same environmental constraints that will allow better characterization of the microbiota–host dialogue is awaited. The domestic dog has physiological, dietary and pathological characteristics similar to those of humans and shares the domestic environment and lifestyle of its owner. This review exposes how the domestication of dogs has brought them closer to humans based on their intrinsic and extrinsic similarities which were discerned through examining and comparing the current knowledge and data on the intestinal microbiota of humans and canines in the context of several spontaneous pathologies, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and diabetes mellitus.
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12
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Mancabelli L, Milani C, Fontana F, Lugli GA, Tarracchini C, Turroni F, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Mapping bacterial diversity and metabolic functionality of the human respiratory tract microbiome. J Oral Microbiol 2022; 14:2051336. [PMID: 35309410 PMCID: PMC8933033 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2022.2051336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Human Respiratory Tract (HRT) is colonized by various microbial taxa, known as HRT microbiota, in a manner that is indicative of mutualistic interaction between such microorganisms and their host. Aim To investigate the microbial composition of the HRT and its possible correlation with the different compartments of the respiratory tract. Methods In the current study, we performed an in-depth meta‐analysis of 849 HRT samples from public shotgun metagenomic datasets obtained through several distinct collection methods. Results The statistical robustness provided by this meta-analysis allowed the identification of 13 possible HRT-specific Community State Types (CSTs), which appear to be specific to each anatomical region of the respiratory tract. Furthermore, functional characterization of the metagenomic datasets revealed specific microbial metabolic features correlating with the different compartments of the respiratory tract. Conclusion The meta-analysis here performed suggested that the variable presence of certain bacterial species seems to be linked to a location-related abundance gradient in the HRT and seems to be characterized by a specific microbial metabolic capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mancabelli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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13
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Linehan K, Dempsey EM, Ryan CA, Ross RP, Stanton C. First encounters of the microbial kind: perinatal factors direct infant gut microbiome establishment. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2022; 1:10. [PMID: 38045649 PMCID: PMC10688792 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2021.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome harbors a diverse range of microbes that play a fundamental role in the health and well-being of their host. The early-life microbiome has a major influence on human development and long-term health. Perinatal factors such as maternal nutrition, antibiotic use, gestational age and mode of delivery influence the initial colonization, development, and function of the neonatal gut microbiome. The perturbed early-life gut microbiome predisposes infants to diseases in early and later life. Understanding how perinatal factors guide and shape the composition of the early-life microbiome is essential to improving infant health. The following review provides a synopsis of perinatal factors with the most decisive influences on initial microbial colonization of the infant gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Linehan
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - Eugene M. Dempsey
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - C. Anthony Ryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and INFANT Centre, University College Cork, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - R. Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - Catherine Stanton
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork P61 C996, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Cork, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
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14
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Unraveling the Microbiome of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Insights in Novel Microbial and Metabolomic Biomarkers. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0117621. [PMID: 34704805 PMCID: PMC8549755 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01176-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is among the most relevant gastrointestinal diseases affecting mostly prematurely born infants with low birth weight. While intestinal dysbiosis has been proposed as one of the possible factors involved in NEC pathogenesis, the role of the gut microbiota remains poorly understood. In this study, the gut microbiota of preterm infants was explored to highlight differences in the composition between infants affected by NEC and infants prior to NEC development. A large-scale gut microbiome analysis was performed, including 47 shotgun sequencing data sets generated in the framework of this study, along with 124 retrieved from publicly available repositories. Meta-analysis led to the identification of preterm community state types (PT-CSTs), which recur in healthy controls and NEC infants. Such analyses revealed an overgrowth of a range of opportunistic microbial species accompanying the loss of gut microbial biodiversity in NEC subjects. Moreover, longitudinal insights into preterm infants prior to NEC development indicated Clostridium neonatale and Clostridium perfringens species as potential biomarkers for predictive early diagnosis of this disease. Furthermore, functional investigation of the enzymatic reaction profiles associated with pre-NEC condition suggested DL-lactate as a putative metabolic biomarker for early detection of NEC onset. IMPORTANCE Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease occurring predominantly in premature infants whose etiology is still not fully understood. In this study, the analysis of infant fecal samples through shotgun metagenomics approaches revealed a marked reduction of the intestinal (bio)diversity and an overgrowth of (opportunistic) pathogens associated with the NEC development. In particular, dissection of the infant’s gut microbiome before NEC diagnosis highlighted the potential involvement of Clostridium genus members in the progression of NEC. Remarkably, our analyses highlighted a gastrointestinal DL-lactate accumulation among NEC patients that might represent a novel potential functional biomarker for the early diagnosis of NEC.
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15
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Phylogenetic classification of ten novel species belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium comprising B. phasiani sp. nov., B. pongonis sp. nov., B. saguinibicoloris sp. nov., B. colobi sp. nov., B. simiiventris sp. nov., B. santillanense sp. nov., B. miconis sp. nov., B. amazonense sp. nov., B. pluvialisilvae sp. nov., and B. miconisargentati sp. nov. Syst Appl Microbiol 2021; 44:126273. [PMID: 34715437 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2021.126273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ten Bifidobacterium strains, i.e., 6T3, 64T4, 79T10, 80T4, 81T8, 82T1, 82T10, 82T18, 82T24, and 82T25, were isolated from mantled guereza (Colobus guereza), Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abeli), silvery marmoset (Mico argentatus), golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), pied tamarin (Saguinus bicolor), and common pheasant (Phaisanus colchinus). Cells are Gram-positive, non-motile, non-sporulating, facultative anaerobic, and fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase-positive. Phylogenetic analyses based on the core genome sequences revealed that isolated strains exhibit close phylogenetic relatedness with Bifidobacterium genus members belonging to the Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium pullorum, and Bifidobacterium tissieri phylogenetic groups. Phenotypic characterization and genotyping based on the genome sequences clearly show that these strains are distinct from each of the type strains of the so far recognized Bifidobacterium species. Thus, B. phasiani sp. nov. (6T3 = LMG 32224T = DSM 112544T), B. pongonis sp. nov. (64T4 = LMG 32281T = DSM 112547T), B. saguinibicoloris sp. nov. (79T10 = LMG 32232T = DSM 112543T), B. colobi sp. nov. (80T4 = LMG 32225T = DSM 112552T), B. simiiventris sp. nov. (81T8 = LMG 32226T = DSM 112549T), B. santillanense sp. nov. (82T1 = LMG 32284T = DSM 112550T), B. miconis sp. nov. (82T10 = LMG 32282T = DSM 112551T), B. amazonense sp. nov. (82T18 = LMG 32297T = DSM 112548T), pluvialisilvae sp. nov. (82T24 = LMG 32229T = DSM 112545T), and B. miconisargentati sp. nov. (82T25 = LMG 32283T = DSM 112546T) are proposed as novel Bifidobacterium species.
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16
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Fontana F, Mancabelli L, Lugli GA, Taracchini C, Alessandri G, Longhi G, Anzalone R, Viappiani A, Famo R, Brognan M, Micondo KH, Turroni F, Ventura M, D'Alfonso R, Milani C. Investigating the infant gut microbiota in developing countries: worldwide metagenomic meta-analysis involving infants living in sub-urban areas of Côte d'Ivoire. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:626-636. [PMID: 34152069 PMCID: PMC8518733 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, infants' gut microbiota has aroused constant scientific interest, primarily due to early- and long-term repercussions on the host health. In this context, nutritional challenges such as those found in less developed countries can influence infants' gut microbiota development, thus generating potentially critical health outcomes. However, comprehensive investigations regarding species-level differences in the infant gut microbiota's composition between urbanized and rural countries are still missing. In this study, 16S rRNA and Shallow Shotgun metagenomics sequencing were exploited to dissect the microbial community's species-level composition of 11 faecal samples collected from infants living in a semi-urban area of Sub-Saharan Africa, i.e. Côte d'Ivoire. Moreover, the generated data were coupled with those retrieved from public available metagenomic repositories, including two rural communities and 13 urban communities of industrialized countries. The meta-analysis led to the identification of Infant Species Community States Type (ISCSTs) and microbial species covariances, which were exploited to reveal key signatures of infants living in rural and semi-urban societies. Remarkably, analysis of rural and semi-urban datasets revealed shifts from ISCSTs prevalent in urbanized populations with putative health implications. Thus, indicating the need for population-wide investigations aimed to define the factors determining such potentially harmful gut microbial communities' signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- GenProbio srlParmaItaly
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Chiara Taracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Giulia Longhi
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- GenProbio srlParmaItaly
| | | | | | - Roch Famo
- Centre Médical Don Orione AnyamaAnyamaCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Marc Brognan
- Centre Médical Don Orione AnyamaAnyamaCôte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Rossella D'Alfonso
- Centre Médical Don Orione AnyamaAnyamaCôte d'Ivoire
- Pediatric Service of Hospital Military D'AbidjanAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
- Department of Systems MedicineUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
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17
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Turroni F, Milani C, Ventura M, van Sinderen D. The human gut microbiota during the initial stages of life: insights from bifidobacteria. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 73:81-87. [PMID: 34333445 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Current scientific literature has identified the infant gut microbiota as a multifaceted organ influencing a range of aspects of host-health and development. Many scientific studies have focused on characterizing the main microbial taxa that constitute the resident bacterial population of the infant gut. This has generated a wealth of information on the bacterial composition of the infant gut microbiota, and on the functional role/s exerted by their key microbial members. In this context, one of the most prevalent, abundant and investigated microbial taxon in the human infant gut is the genus Bifidobacterium, due to the purported beneficial activities is bestows upon its host. This review discusses the most recent findings regarding the infant gut microbiota with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms by which bifidobacteria impact on host health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland.
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18
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Tarracchini C, Milani C, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Fontana F, Alessandri G, Longhi G, Anzalone R, Viappiani A, Turroni F, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Phylogenomic disentangling of the Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis taxon. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34319225 PMCID: PMC8477406 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Bifidobacterium longum species have been shown to possess adaptive abilities to allow colonization of different mammalian hosts, including humans, primates and domesticated mammalian species, such as dogs, horses, cattle and pigs. To date, three subspecies have formally been recognized to belong to this bifidobacterial taxon, i.e. B. longum subsp. longum, B. longum subsp. infantis and B. longum subsp. suis. Although B. longum subsp. longum is widely distributed in the human gut irrespective of host age, B. longum subsp. infantis appears to play a significant role as a prominent member of the gut microbiota of breast-fed infants. Nevertheless, despite the considerable scientific relevance of these taxa and the vast body of genomic data now available, an accurate dissection of the genetic features that comprehensively characterize the B. longum species and its subspecies is still missing. In the current study, we employed 261 publicly available B. longum genome sequences, combined with those of 11 new isolates, to investigate genomic diversity of this taxon through comparative genomic and phylogenomic approaches. These analyses allowed us to highlight a remarkable intra-species genetic and physiological diversity. Notably, characterization of the genome content of members of B. longum subsp. infantis subspecies suggested that this taxon may have acquired genetic features for increased competitiveness in the gut environment of suckling hosts. Furthermore, specific B. longum subsp. infantis genomic features appear to be responsible for enhanced horizontal gene transfer (HGT) occurrences, underpinning an intriguing dedication toward acquisition of foreign DNA by HGT events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,GenProbio Srl, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Longhi
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,GenProbio Srl, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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19
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Lugli GA, Alessandri G, Milani C, Viappiani A, Fontana F, Tarracchini C, Mancabelli L, Argentini C, Ruiz L, Margolles A, van Sinderen D, Turroni F, Ventura M. Genetic insights into the dark matter of the mammalian gut microbiota through targeted genome reconstruction. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:3294-3305. [PMID: 33973321 PMCID: PMC8359967 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Whole metagenomic shotgun (WMS) sequencing has dramatically enhanced our ability to study microbial genomics. The possibility to unveil the genetic makeup of bacteria that cannot be easily isolated has significantly expanded our microbiological horizon. Here, we report an approach aimed at uncovering novel bacterial species by the use of targeted WMS sequencing. Employing in silico data retrieved from metabolic modelling to formulate a chemically defined medium (CDM), we were able to isolate and subsequently sequence the genomes of six putative novel species of bacteria from the gut of non‐human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | | | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Chiara Argentini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Lorena Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, Villaviciosa, Asturias, 33300, Spain.,MicroHealth Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Abelardo Margolles
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, Villaviciosa, Asturias, 33300, Spain.,MicroHealth Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy.,Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
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20
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Mancabelli L, Tarracchini C, Milani C, Lugli GA, Fontana F, Turroni F, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Vaginotypes of the human vaginal microbiome. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:1780-1792. [PMID: 33615652 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The human vaginal environment harbours a community of bacteria that plays an important role in maintaining vaginal health and in protecting this environment from various urogenital infections. This bacterial population, also known as vaginal microbiota, has been demonstrated to be dominated by members of the Lactobacillus genus. Several studies employing 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing have classified the vaginal microbiota into five distinct community state types (CSTs) or vaginotypes. To deepen our understanding of the vaginal microbiota we performed an in-depth meta-analysis of 1312 publicly available datasets concerning healthy vaginal microbiome information obtained by metagenomics sequencing. The analysis confirmed the predominance of taxa belonging to the Lactobacillus genus, followed by members of the genera Gardnerella, Vibrio and Atopobium. Moreover, the statistical robustness offered by this meta-analysis allowed us to disentangle the species-level composition of dominant and accessory taxa constituting each vaginotype and to revisit and refine the previously proposed CST classification. In addition, a functional characterization of the metagenomic datasets revealed particular genetic features associated with each assigned vaginotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mancabelli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Centre "Microbiome Research Hub", University of Parma, Parma, 43124, Italy
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21
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Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) exposures exert a sustained influence on the progression of gut microbiota and metabolome in the first year of life. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1353. [PMID: 33446779 PMCID: PMC7809424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80278-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown a link between the perturbations and development of the gut microbiota in infants with their immediate and long-term health. To better understand the assembly of the gut microbiota in preterm infants, faecal samples were longitudinally collected from the preterm (n = 19) and term (n = 20) infants from birth until month 12. 16S rRNA gene sequencing (n = 141) and metabolomics profiling (n = 141) using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified significant differences between groups in various time points. A panel of amino acid metabolites and central metabolism intermediates significantly correlated with the relative abundances of 8 species of bacteria were identified in the preterm group. In contrast, faecal metabolites of term infants had significantly higher levels of metabolites which are commonly found in milk such as fucose and β-hydroxybutyrate. We demonstrated that the early-life factors such as gestational age, birth weight and NICU exposures, exerted a sustained effect to the dynamics of gut microbial composition and metabolism of the neonates up to one year of age. Thus, our findings suggest that intervention at this early time could provide ‘metabolic rescue’ to preterm infants from aberrant initial gut microbial colonisation and succession.
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22
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Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) exposures exert a sustained influence on the progression of gut microbiota and metabolome in the first year of life. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1353. [PMID: 33446779 PMCID: PMC7809424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80278-1 10.1038/s41598-021-88758-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown a link between the perturbations and development of the gut microbiota in infants with their immediate and long-term health. To better understand the assembly of the gut microbiota in preterm infants, faecal samples were longitudinally collected from the preterm (n = 19) and term (n = 20) infants from birth until month 12. 16S rRNA gene sequencing (n = 141) and metabolomics profiling (n = 141) using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified significant differences between groups in various time points. A panel of amino acid metabolites and central metabolism intermediates significantly correlated with the relative abundances of 8 species of bacteria were identified in the preterm group. In contrast, faecal metabolites of term infants had significantly higher levels of metabolites which are commonly found in milk such as fucose and β-hydroxybutyrate. We demonstrated that the early-life factors such as gestational age, birth weight and NICU exposures, exerted a sustained effect to the dynamics of gut microbial composition and metabolism of the neonates up to one year of age. Thus, our findings suggest that intervention at this early time could provide 'metabolic rescue' to preterm infants from aberrant initial gut microbial colonisation and succession.
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