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Schaus SR, Vasconcelos Pereira G, Luis AS, Madlambayan E, Terrapon N, Ostrowski MP, Jin C, Henrissat B, Hansson GC, Martens EC. Ruminococcus torques is a keystone degrader of intestinal mucin glycoprotein, releasing oligosaccharides used by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. mBio 2024; 15:e0003924. [PMID: 38975756 PMCID: PMC11323728 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00039-24] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic interactions between humans and our communities of resident gut microbes (microbiota) play many roles in health and disease. Some gut bacteria utilize mucus as a nutrient source and can under certain conditions damage the protective barrier it forms, increasing disease susceptibility. We investigated how Ruminococcus torques-a known mucin degrader that has been implicated in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs)-degrades mucin glycoproteins or their component O-linked glycans to understand its effects on the availability of mucin-derived nutrients for other bacteria. We found that R. torques utilizes both mucin glycoproteins and released oligosaccharides from gastric and colonic mucins, degrading these substrates with a panoply of mostly constitutively expressed, secreted enzymes. Investigation of mucin oligosaccharide degradation by R. torques revealed strong α-L-fucosidase, sialidase and β1,4-galactosidase activities. There was a lack of detectable sulfatase and weak β1,3-galactosidase degradation, resulting in accumulation of glycans containing these structures on mucin polypeptides. While the Gram-negative symbiont, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron grows poorly on mucin glycoproteins, we demonstrate a clear ability of R. torques to liberate products from mucins, making them accessible to B. thetaiotaomicron. This work underscores the diversity of mucin-degrading mechanisms in different bacterial species and the probability that some species are contingent on others for the ability to more fully access mucin-derived nutrients. The ability of R. torques to directly degrade a variety of mucin and mucin glycan structures and unlock released glycans for other species suggests that it is a keystone mucin degrader, which might contribute to its association with IBD.IMPORTANCEAn important facet of maintaining healthy symbiosis between host and intestinal microbes is the mucus layer, the first defense protecting the epithelium from lumenal bacteria. Some gut bacteria degrade the various components of intestinal mucins, but detailed mechanisms used by different species are still emerging. It is imperative to understand these mechanisms as they likely dictate interspecies interactions and may illuminate species associated with bacterial mucus damage and subsequent disease susceptibility. Ruminococcus torques is positively associated with IBD in multiple studies. We identified mucin glycan-degrading enzymes in R. torques and found that it shares mucin degradation products with another species of gut bacteria, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding mucin degradation mechanisms in different gut bacteria and their consequences on interspecies interactions, which may identify keystone bacteria that disproportionately affect mucus damage and could therefore be key players in effects that result from reductions in mucus integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadie R. Schaus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Ana S. Luis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emily Madlambayan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicolas Terrapon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, Marseille, France
| | - Matthew P. Ostrowski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chunsheng Jin
- Proteomics Core Facility at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gunnar C. Hansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eric C. Martens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Mo C, Lou X, Xue J, Shi Z, Zhao Y, Wang F, Chen G. The influence of Akkermansia muciniphila on intestinal barrier function. Gut Pathog 2024; 16:41. [PMID: 39097746 PMCID: PMC11297771 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-024-00635-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal barriers play a crucial role in human physiology, both in homeostatic and pathological conditions. Disruption of the intestinal barrier is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. The profound influence of the gut microbiota on intestinal diseases has sparked considerable interest in manipulating it through dietary interventions, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation as potential approaches to enhance the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Numerous studies have underscored the protective effects of specific microbiota and their associated metabolites. In recent years, an increasing body of research has demonstrated that Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila, Am) plays a beneficial role in various diseases, including diabetes, obesity, aging, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. It is gaining popularity as a regulator that influences the intestinal flora and intestinal barrier and is recognized as a 'new generation of probiotics'. Consequently, it may represent a potential target and promising therapy option for intestinal diseases. This article systematically summarizes the role of Am in the gut. Specifically, we carefully discuss key scientific issues that need resolution in the future regarding beneficial bacteria represented by Am, which may provide insights for the application of drugs targeting Am in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Mo
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 Jingming South Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiran Lou
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 Jingming South Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jinfang Xue
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 Jingming South Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zhuange Shi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650034, China
| | - Yifang Zhao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650034, China
| | - Fuping Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650034, China
| | - Guobing Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650034, China.
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Jiang ZM, Wang FF, Zhao YY, Lu LF, Jiang XY, Huang TQ, Lin Y, Guo L, Weng ZB, Liu EH. Hypericum perforatum L. attenuates depression by regulating Akkermansia muciniphila, tryptophan metabolism and NFκB-NLRP2-Caspase1-IL1β pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155847. [PMID: 38996505 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota dysbiosis significantly contributes to progression of depression. Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL) is traditionally used in Europe for treating depression. However, its mechanism remains largely underexplored. PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the pivotal gut microbiota species and microbial signaling metabolites associated with the antidepressant effects of HPL. METHODS Fecal microbiota transplantation was used to assess whether HPL mitigates depression through alterations in gut microbiota. Microbiota and metabolic profiling of control, chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression, and HPL-treated CRS mice were examined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis. The influence of gut microbiota on HPL's antidepressant effects was assessed by metabolite and bacterial intervention experiments. RESULTS HPL significantly alleviated depression symptoms in a manner dependent on gut microbiota and restored gut microbial composition by enriching Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK). Metabolomic analysis indicated that HPL regulated tryptophan metabolism, reducing kynurenine (KYN) levels derived from microbiota and increasing 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) levels. Notably, supplementation with KYN activated the NFκB-NLRP2-Caspase1-IL1β pathway and increased proinflammatory IL1β in the hippocampus of mice with depression. Interestingly, mono-colonization with AKK notably increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and decreased KYN levels, ameliorating depression symptoms through modulation of the NFκB-NLRP2-Caspase1-IL1β pathway. CONCLUSIONS The promising therapeutic role of HPL in treating depression is primarily attributed to its regulation of the NFκB-NLRP2-Caspase1-IL1β pathway, specifically by targeting AKK and tryptophan metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Meng Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fang-Fang Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lin-Feng Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tian-Qing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Long Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050200 China.
| | - Ze-Bin Weng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - E-Hu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Bock PM, Martins AF, Schaan BD. Understanding how pre- and probiotics affect the gut microbiome and metabolic health. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 327:E89-E102. [PMID: 38809510 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00054.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiome, a complex assembly of microorganisms, significantly impacts human health by influencing nutrient absorption, the immune system, and disease response. These microorganisms form a dynamic ecosystem that is critical to maintaining overall well-being. Prebiotics and probiotics are pivotal in regulating gut microbiota composition. Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria and promote their growth, whereas probiotics help maintain balance within the microbiome. This intricate balance extends to several aspects of health, including maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier, regulating immune responses, and producing metabolites crucial for metabolic health. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has been linked to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Impaired gut barrier function, endotoxemia, and low-grade inflammation are associated with toll-like receptors influencing proinflammatory pathways. Short-chain fatty acids derived from microbial fermentation modulate anti-inflammatory and immune system pathways. Prebiotics positively influence gut microbiota, whereas probiotics, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, may improve metabolic outcomes, such as glycemic control in diabetes. It is important to consider strain-specific effects and study variability when interpreting these findings, highlighting the need for further research to optimize their therapeutic potential. The aim of this report is therefore to review the role of the gut microbiota in metabolic health and disease and the effects of prebiotics and probiotics on the gut microbiome and their therapeutic role, integrating a broad understanding of physiological mechanisms with a clinical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Bock
- Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Andreza F Martins
- Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Beatriz D Schaan
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate Program in Medical Sciences: Endocrinology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Shen J, Li J, Zhang Y, Mei X, Xue C, Chang Y. Characterization of an α-L-fucosidase in marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica: new evidence on the catalytic sites of GH95 family glycosidases. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024. [PMID: 38932571 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND α-l-Fucose confers unique functions for fucose-containing biomolecules such as human milk oligosaccharides. α-l-Fucosidases can serve as desirable tools in the application of fucosylated saccharides. Discovering novel α-l-fucosidases and elucidating their enzyme properties are always worthy tasks. RESULTS A GH95 family α-l-fucosidase named Afc95A_Wf was cloned from the genome of the marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica and expressed in Escherichia coli. It exhibited maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 7.5. Afc95A_Wf defined a different substrate specificity among reported α-l-fucosidases, which was capable of hydrolyzing α-fucoside in CNP-fucose, Fucα1-2Galβ1-4Glc and Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)Glc, and showed a preference for α1,2-fucosidic linkage. It adopted Asp residue in the amino acid sequence at position 391, which was distinct from the previously acknowledged residue of Asn. The predicted tertiary structure and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that Asp391 participates in the catalysis of Afc95A_Wf. The differences in the substrate specificity and catalytic site shed light on that Afc95A_Wf adopted a novel mechanism in catalysis. CONCLUSION A GH95 family α-l-fucosidase (Afc95A_Wf) was cloned and expressed. It showed a cleavage preference for α1,2-fucosidic linkage to α1,3-fucosidic linkage. Afc95A_Wf demonstrated a different substrate specificity and a residue at an important catalytic site compared with known GH95 family proteins, which revealed the occurrence of diversity on catalytic mechanisms in the GH95 family. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Shen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiajing Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuanwei Mei
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Changhu Xue
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yaoguang Chang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Martínez Gascueña A, Wu H, Wang R, Owen CD, Hernando PJ, Monaco S, Penner M, Xing K, Le Gall G, Gardner R, Ndeh D, Urbanowicz PA, Spencer DIR, Walsh M, Angulo J, Juge N. Exploring the sequence-function space of microbial fucosidases. Commun Chem 2024; 7:137. [PMID: 38890439 PMCID: PMC11189522 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01212-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial α-L-fucosidases catalyse the hydrolysis of terminal α-L-fucosidic linkages and can perform transglycosylation reactions. Based on sequence identity, α-L-fucosidases are classified in glycoside hydrolases (GHs) families of the carbohydrate-active enzyme database. Here we explored the sequence-function space of GH29 fucosidases. Based on sequence similarity network (SSN) analyses, 15 GH29 α-L-fucosidases were selected for functional characterisation. HPAEC-PAD and LC-FD-MS/MS analyses revealed substrate and linkage specificities for α1,2, α1,3, α1,4 and α1,6 linked fucosylated oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, consistent with their SSN clustering. The structural basis for the substrate specificity of GH29 fucosidase from Bifidobacterium asteroides towards α1,6 linkages and FA2G2 N-glycan was determined by X-ray crystallography and STD NMR. The capacity of GH29 fucosidases to carry out transfucosylation reactions with GlcNAc and 3FN as acceptors was evaluated by TLC combined with ESI-MS and NMR. These experimental data supported the use of SSN to further explore the GH29 sequence-function space through machine-learning models. Our lightweight protein language models could accurately allocate test sequences in their respective SSN clusters and assign 34,258 non-redundant GH29 sequences into SSN clusters. It is expected that the combination of these computational approaches will be used in the future for the identification of novel GHs with desired specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez Gascueña
- The Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Haiyang Wu
- The Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK
- GuangDong Engineering Technology Research Center of Enzyme and Biocatalysis, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Beijing Key Lab of Traffic Data Analysis and Mining, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Railway Traffic Safety, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
- School of Computer and Information Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - C David Owen
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Pedro J Hernando
- The Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK
- Iceni Glycoscience Ltd., Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7JG, UK
| | - Serena Monaco
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Matthew Penner
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Ke Xing
- School of Computer and Information Technology, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Gwenaelle Le Gall
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | | | - Didier Ndeh
- The Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK
- University of Dundee, School of Life Sciences, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | - Martin Walsh
- Diamond Light Source Ltd, Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Jesus Angulo
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (CSIC-US), 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Nathalie Juge
- The Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK.
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Bains RK, Nasseri SA, Wardman JF, Withers SG. Advances in the understanding and exploitation of carbohydrate-active enzymes. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 80:102457. [PMID: 38657391 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102457] [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] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) are responsible for the biosynthesis, modification and degradation of all glycans in Nature. Advances in genomic and metagenomic methodologies, in conjunction with lower cost gene synthesis, have provided access to a steady stream of new CAZymes with both well-established and novel mechanisms. At the same time, increasing access to cryo-EM has resulted in exciting new structures, particularly of transmembrane glycosyltransferases of various sorts. This improved understanding has resulted in widespread progress in applications of CAZymes across diverse fields, including therapeutics, organ transplantation, foods, and biofuels. Herein, we highlight a few of the many important advances that have recently been made in the understanding and applications of CAZymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajneesh K Bains
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Seyed Amirhossein Nasseri
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jacob F Wardman
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stephen G Withers
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Wolter M, Grant ET, Boudaud M, Pudlo NA, Pereira GV, Eaton KA, Martens EC, Desai MS. Diet-driven differential response of Akkermansia muciniphila modulates pathogen susceptibility. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:596-625. [PMID: 38745106 PMCID: PMC11148096 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00036-7] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The erosion of the colonic mucus layer by a dietary fiber-deprived gut microbiota results in heightened susceptibility to an attaching and effacing pathogen, Citrobacter rodentium. Nevertheless, the questions of whether and how specific mucolytic bacteria aid in the increased pathogen susceptibility remain unexplored. Here, we leverage a functionally characterized, 14-member synthetic human microbiota in gnotobiotic mice to deduce which bacteria and functions are responsible for the pathogen susceptibility. Using strain dropouts of mucolytic bacteria from the community, we show that Akkermansia muciniphila renders the host more vulnerable to the mucosal pathogen during fiber deprivation. However, the presence of A. muciniphila reduces pathogen load on a fiber-sufficient diet, highlighting the context-dependent beneficial effects of this mucin specialist. The enhanced pathogen susceptibility is not owing to altered host immune or pathogen responses, but is driven by a combination of increased mucus penetrability and altered activities of A. muciniphila and other community members. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of how discrete functional responses of the same mucolytic bacterium either resist or enhance enteric pathogen susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Wolter
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Erica T Grant
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Marie Boudaud
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Nicholas A Pudlo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gabriel V Pereira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kathryn A Eaton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eric C Martens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mahesh S Desai
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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Zhang Q, Zhou Y, He Q, Zhao H, Zhou F, Chi P, Li Q. Effects of modified-BHI medium on the growth and metabolites of Akkermansia muciniphila. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:1921-1930. [PMID: 38752110 PMCID: PMC11091034 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01492-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) has recently become popular due to its therapeutic effect on various diseases. However, Akk's high-density cultivation is difficult due to its anaerobic characteristics. Therefore, Akk was cultured with modified brain-heart infusion (M-BHI) to reach 1011 CFU/mL. 1H-NMR determined the metabolites of Akk and validated them by an amino acid analyzer. Compared to the BHI, Akk significantly up-regulated lactate, histidine, fumaric acid, cytidine, threonine, arginine, and hydroxyproline in the M-BHI and significantly down-regulated methionine, trimethylamine, and sarcosine. Regarding pathway enrichment analysis, histidine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism mainly regulate differential metabolites. In addition, M-BHI alters the metabolic profile by affecting Akk's involvement in amino acid metabolism remodeling. Changed metabolites showed that Akk fermentation in M-BHI may play a physiological role in regulating immune homeostasis and reducing risk factors related to diseases. Therefore, M-BHI provides a promising reference for Akk cultivation in future industrial preparation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01492-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinren Zhang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Yupan Zhou
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Qianzu He
- Guangxi University Hospital, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Haiyan Zhao
- Guangxi University Hospital, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Fan Zhou
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Pengcheng Chi
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Quanyang Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
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Elzinga J, Narimatsu Y, de Haan N, Clausen H, de Vos WM, Tytgat HLP. Binding of Akkermansia muciniphila to mucin is O-glycan specific. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4582. [PMID: 38811534 PMCID: PMC11137150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48770-8] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal anaerobic bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila is specialized in the degradation of mucins, which are heavily O-glycosylated proteins that constitute the major components of the mucus lining the intestine. Despite that adhesion to mucins is considered critical for the persistence of A. muciniphila in the human intestinal tract, our knowledge of how this intestinal symbiont recognizes and binds to mucins is still limited. Here, we first show that the mucin-binding properties of A. muciniphila are independent of environmental oxygen concentrations and not abolished by pasteurization. We then dissected the mucin-binding properties of pasteurized A. muciniphila by use of a recently developed cell-based mucin array that enables display of the tandem repeats of human mucins with distinct O-glycan patterns and structures. We found that A. muciniphila recognizes the unsialylated LacNAc (Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-R) disaccharide selectively on core2 and core3 O-glycans. This disaccharide epitope is abundantly found on human colonic mucins capped by sialic acids, and we demonstrated that endogenous A. muciniphila neuraminidase activity can uncover the epitope and promote binding. In summary, our study provides insights into the mucin-binding properties important for colonization of a key mucin-foraging bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke Elzinga
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Yoshiki Narimatsu
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- GlycoDisplay ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Noortje de Haan
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Clausen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Willem M de Vos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanne L P Tytgat
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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11
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Tian R, Yu L, Tian F, Zhao J, Chen W, Zhai Q. Effect of inulin, galacto-oligosaccharides, and polyphenols on the gut microbiota, with a focus on Akkermansia muciniphila. Food Funct 2024; 15:4763-4772. [PMID: 38590256 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00428k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Inulins, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and polyphenols are considered to stimulate the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) in the gut. We performed a meta-analysis of six microbiome studies (821 stool samples from 451 participants) to assess the effects of inulin, GOS, and polyphenols on the abundance of A. muciniphila in the gut. The intervention of GOS increased the relative abundance of A. muciniphila in healthy participants. Additionally, metabolic pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism and short-chain fatty acid release were enriched following the GOS intervention. Furthermore, after the GOS intervention, the coexisting microbial communities of A. muciniphila, such as Eubacterium hallii and Bacteroides, exhibited an enhanced correlation with A. muciniphila. In conclusion, our findings suggest that GOS may promote the growth of A. muciniphila in the gut by modulating the gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruocen Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P. R China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Leilei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P. R China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Fengwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P. R China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P. R China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P. R China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P. R China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
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12
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Zhao L, Arias SL, Zipfel W, Brito IL, Yeo J. Coarse-grained modeling and dynamics tracking of nanoparticles diffusion in human gut mucus. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131434. [PMID: 38614182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131434] [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] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract's mucus layer serves as a critical barrier and a mediator in drug nanoparticle delivery. The mucus layer's diverse molecular structures and spatial complexity complicates the mechanistic study of the diffusion dynamics of particulate materials. In response, we developed a bi-component coarse-grained mucus model, specifically tailored for the colorectal cancer environment, that contained the two most abundant glycoproteins in GI mucus: Muc2 and Muc5AC. This model demonstrated the effects of molecular composition and concentration on mucus pore size, a key determinant in the permeability of nanoparticles. Using this computational model, we investigated the diffusion rate of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated nanoparticles, a widely used muco-penetrating nanoparticle. We validated our model with experimentally characterized mucus pore sizes and the diffusional coefficients of PEG-coated nanoparticles in the mucus collected from cultured human colorectal goblet cells. Machine learning fingerprints were then employed to provide a mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle diffusional behavior. We found that larger nanoparticles tended to be trapped in mucus over longer durations but exhibited more ballistic diffusion over shorter time spans. Through these discoveries, our model provides a promising platform to study pharmacokinetics in the GI mucus layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Zhao
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Sandra L Arias
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Warren Zipfel
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Ilana L Brito
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
| | - Jingjie Yeo
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
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13
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Jensen M, Stenfelt L, Ricci Hagman J, Pichler MJ, Weikum J, Nielsen TS, Hult A, Morth JP, Olsson ML, Abou Hachem M. Akkermansia muciniphila exoglycosidases target extended blood group antigens to generate ABO-universal blood. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:1176-1188. [PMID: 38684911 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01663-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Matching donor and recipient blood groups based on red blood cell (RBC) surface ABO glycans and antibodies in plasma is crucial to avoid potentially fatal reactions during transfusions. Enzymatic conversion of RBC glycans to the universal group O is an attractive solution to simplify blood logistics and prevent ABO-mismatched transfusions. The gut symbiont Akkermansia muciniphila can degrade mucin O-glycans including ABO epitopes. Here we biochemically evaluated 23 Akkermansia glycosyl hydrolases and identified exoglycosidase combinations which efficiently transformed both A and B antigens and four of their carbohydrate extensions. Enzymatic removal of canonical and extended ABO antigens on RBCs significantly improved compatibility with group O plasmas, compared to conversion of A or B antigens alone. Finally, structural analyses of two B-converting enzymes identified a previously unknown putative carbohydrate-binding module. This study demonstrates the potential utility of mucin-degrading gut bacteria as valuable sources of enzymes for production of universal blood for transfusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Jensen
- Department of Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Linn Stenfelt
- Department of Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Ricci Hagman
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Office for Medical Services, Region Skåne, Sweden
| | - Michael Jakob Pichler
- Department of Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julia Weikum
- Department of Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tine Sofie Nielsen
- Department of Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Annika Hult
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Office for Medical Services, Region Skåne, Sweden
| | - Jens Preben Morth
- Department of Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Martin L Olsson
- Division of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Office for Medical Services, Region Skåne, Sweden.
| | - Maher Abou Hachem
- Department of Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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14
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Li S, Chen M, Wang Z, Abudourexiti W, Zhang L, Ding C, Ding L, Gong J. Ant may well destroy a whole dam: glycans of colonic mucus barrier disintegrated by gut bacteria. Microbiol Res 2024; 281:127599. [PMID: 38219635 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127599] [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] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The colonic mucus layer plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the colonic mucosal barrier, serving as the primary defense against colonic microorganisms. Predominantly composed of mucin 2 (MUC2), a glycosylation-rich protein, the mucus layer forms a gel-like coating that covers the colonic epithelium surface. This layer provides a habitat for intestinal microorganisms, which can utilize mucin glycans present in the mucus layer as a sustainable source of nutrients. Additionally, metabolites produced by the microbiota during the metabolism of mucus glycans have a profound impact on host health. Under normal conditions, the production and consumption of mucus maintain a dynamic balance. However, several studies have demonstrated that certain factors, such as dietary fiber deficiency, can enhance the metabolism of mucus glycans by gut bacteria, thereby disturbing this balance and weakening the mucus barrier function of the mucus layer. To better understand the occurrence and development of colon-related diseases, it is crucial to investigate the complex metabolic patterns of mucus glycosylation by intestinal microorganisms. Our objective was to comprehensively review these patterns in order to clarify the effects of mucus layer glycan metabolism by intestinal microorganisms on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingfei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongyuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Waresi Abudourexiti
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical College, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lin Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jianfeng Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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15
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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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16
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Padilla L, Fricker AD, Luna E, Choudhury B, Hughes ER, Panzetta ME, Valdivia RH, Flores GE. Mechanism of 2'-fucosyllactose degradation by human-associated Akkermansia. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0033423. [PMID: 38299857 PMCID: PMC10886448 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00334-23] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the first microorganisms to colonize the human gut of breastfed infants are bacteria capable of fermenting human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). One of the most abundant HMOs, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), may specifically drive bacterial colonization of the intestine. Recently, differential growth has been observed across multiple species of Akkermansia on various HMOs including 2'-FL. In culture, we found growth of two species, A. muciniphila MucT and A. biwaensis CSUN-19,on HMOs corresponded to a decrease in the levels of 2'-FL and an increase in lactose, indicating that the first step in 2'-FL catabolism is the cleavage of fucose. Using phylogenetic analysis and transcriptional profiling, we found that the number and expression of fucosidase genes from two glycoside hydrolase (GH) families, GH29 and GH95, vary between these two species. During the mid-log phase of growth, the expression of several GH29 genes was increased by 2'-FL in both species, whereas the GH95 genes were induced only in A. muciniphila. We further show that one putative fucosidase and a β-galactosidase from A. biwaensis are involved in the breakdown of 2'-FL. Our findings indicate that the plasticity of GHs of human-associated Akkermansia sp. enables access to additional growth substrates present in HMOs, including 2'-FL. Our work highlights the potential for Akkermansia to influence the development of the gut microbiota early in life and expands the known metabolic capabilities of this important human symbiont.IMPORTANCEAkkermansia are mucin-degrading specialists widely distributed in the human population. Akkermansia biwaensis has recently been observed to have enhanced growth relative to other human-associated Akkermansia on multiple human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). However, the mechanisms for enhanced growth are not understood. Here, we characterized the phylogenetic diversity and function of select genes involved in the growth of A. biwaensis on 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), a dominant HMO. Specifically, we demonstrate that two genes in a genomic locus, a putative β-galactosidase and α-fucosidase, are likely responsible for the enhanced growth on 2'-FL. The functional characterization of A. biwaensis growth on 2'-FL delineates the significance of a single genomic locus that may facilitate enhanced colonization and functional activity of select Akkermansia early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Padilla
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Ashwana D. Fricker
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Estefani Luna
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Biswa Choudhury
- GlycoAnalytics Core, UC San Diego, Health Sciences, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Hughes
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria E. Panzetta
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raphael H. Valdivia
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gilberto E. Flores
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
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17
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Ren P, Yue H, Tang Q, Wang Y, Xue C. Astaxanthin exerts an adjunctive anti-cancer effect through the modulation of gut microbiota and mucosal immunity. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111553. [PMID: 38281337 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111553] [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] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the function of gut microbiota in astaxanthin's adjuvant anticancer effects. Our prior research demonstrated that astaxanthin enhanced the antitumor effects of sorafenib by enhancing the body's antitumor immune response; astaxanthin also regulated the intestinal flora composition of tumor-bearing mice. However, it is presently unknown whether this beneficial effect is dependent on the gut microbiota. We first used broad-spectrum antibiotics to eradicate gut microbiota of tumor-bearing mice, followed by the transplantation of fecal microbiota. The results of this study indicate that the beneficial effects of astaxanthin when combined with molecular targeting are dependent on the presence of intestinal microbiota. Astaxanthin facilitates the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes into the tumor microenvironment and increases Granzyme B production by modulating the intestinal flora. Therefore, it strengthens the body's anti-tumor immune response and synergistically boosts the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Astaxanthin stimulates the production of cuprocytes and mucus in the intestines by promoting the proliferation of Akkermansia. In addition, astaxanthin enhances the intestinal mucosal immunological function. Our research supports the unique ability of astaxanthin to sustain intestinal flora homeostasis and its function as a dietary immune booster for individuals with tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, China
| | - Han Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, China
| | - Qingjuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, China.
| | - Yuming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, China
| | - Changhu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, China
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18
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Ma X, Tian M, Yu X, Liu M, Li B, Ren D, Wang W. Characterization and Preliminary Safety Evaluation of Akkermansia muciniphila PROBIO. Foods 2024; 13:442. [PMID: 38338577 PMCID: PMC10855611 DOI: 10.3390/foods13030442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to providing certain health advantages to the host, a bacterial strain must possess a clearly defined safety profile to be regarded as a probiotic. In this study, we present a thorough and methodical assessment of the safety of a novel strain of bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila PROBIO, which was isolated from human feces. Firstly, we examined the strain's overall features, such as its gastrointestinal tolerance and its physiological and biochemical traits. Next, we verified its genotoxic properties through bacterial reverse mutation and in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus assays. The drug sensitivity of A. muciniphila PROBIO was subsequently examined through an analysis of its antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, the toxicological impact was verified through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. A genome-based safety assessment was conducted to gain further insights into gene function, including potential virulence factors and pathogenic properties. Finally, we assessed whether moxifloxacin resistance in A. muciniphila PROBIO is transferred using in vitro conjugation experiments. A. muciniphila PROBIO exhibited superior gastrointestinal tolerance, with no observed hematological or histopathological abnormalities. Moreover, the outcomes pertaining to mutagenic, clastogenic, or toxic impacts were found to be negative, even at exceedingly high dosages. Moreover, no adverse effects associated with the test substance were observed during the examination of acute and sub-chronic toxicity. Consequently, it was plausible to estimate the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) to be 6.4 × 1011 viable bacteria for an average individual weighing 70 kg. Additionally, only three potential drug resistance genes and one virulence factor gene were annotated. A. muciniphila PROBIO is naturally resistant to moxifloxacin, and resistance does not transfer. Collectively, the data presented herein substantiate the presumed safety of A. muciniphila PROBIO for its application in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.M.); (X.Y.)
| | - Meng Tian
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China;
| | - Xueping Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.M.); (X.Y.)
| | - Ming Liu
- China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing 100015, China; (M.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Bin Li
- China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing 100015, China; (M.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Dayong Ren
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China;
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (X.M.); (X.Y.)
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19
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Schaus SR, Vasconcelos Periera G, Luis AS, Madlambayan E, Terrapon N, Ostrowski MP, Jin C, Hansson GC, Martens EC. Ruminococcus torques is a keystone degrader of intestinal mucin glycoprotein, releasing oligosaccharides used by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.575725. [PMID: 38293123 PMCID: PMC10827045 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.575725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Symbiotic interactions between humans and our communities of resident gut microbes (microbiota) play many roles in health and disease. Some gut bacteria utilize mucus as a nutrient source and can under certain conditions damage the protective barrier it forms, increasing disease susceptibility. We investigated how Ruminococcus torques- a known mucin-degrader that remains poorly studied despite its implication in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs)- degrades mucin glycoproteins or their component O -linked glycans to understand its effects on the availability of mucin-derived nutrients for other bacteria. We found that R. torques utilizes both mucin glycoproteins and released oligosaccharides from gastric and colonic mucins, degrading these substrates with a panoply of mostly constitutively expressed, secreted enzymes. Investigation of mucin oligosaccharide degradation by R. torques revealed strong fucosidase, sialidase and β1,4-galactosidase activities. There was a lack of detectable sulfatase and weak β1,3-galactosidase degradation, resulting in accumulation of glycans containing these structures on mucin polypeptides. While the Gram-negative symbiont, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron grows poorly on mucin glycoproteins, we demonstrate a clear ability of R. torques to liberate products from mucins, making them accessible to B. thetaiotaomicron . This work underscores the diversity of mucin-degrading mechanisms in different bacterial species and the probability that some species are contingent on others for the ability to more fully access mucin-derived nutrients. The ability of R. torques to directly degrade a variety of mucin and mucin glycan structures and unlock released glycans for other species suggests that it is a keystone mucin degrader, which may contribute to its association with IBD. Importance An important facet of maintaining healthy symbiosis between host and intestinal microbes is the mucus layer, the first defense protecting the epithelium from lumenal bacteria. Some gut bacteria degrade different components of intestinal mucins, but detailed mechanisms used by different species are still emerging. It is imperative to understand these mechanisms as they likely dictate interspecies interactions and may illuminate particular species associated with bacterial mucus destruction and subsequent disease susceptibility. Ruminococcus torques is positively associated with IBD in multiple studies. We identified mucin glycan-degrading enzymes in R. torques and found that it shares mucin degradation products with another gut bacterium implicated in IBD, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron . Our findings underscore the importance of understanding the mucin degradation mechanisms of different gut bacteria and their consequences on interspecies interactions, which may identify keystone bacteria that disproportionately contribute to defects in mucus protection and could therefore be targets to prevent or treat IBD.
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20
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Berberolli S, Wu M, Goycoolea FM. The Rosetta Stone of interactions of mucosa and associated bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:1-6. [PMID: 37983559 PMCID: PMC10715687 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gut microbiota-mucosa-epithelial cells co-exist in an intricate three-way relationship that underpins gut homeostasis, and ultimately influences health and disease conditions. The O-glycans of mucin glycoproteins have been uncovered as a centrepiece of this system, although understanding the phenomena at play at the molecular level has been challenging and subject to significant traction over the last years. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advances in the phenomena that mediate microbiota and mucus multidirectional interactions in the human gut. RECENT FINDINGS The mucus biosynthesis and degradation by both commensal and pathogenic bacteria is under tight regulation and involves hundreds of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) and transporters. The fucosylation of O-glycans from mucin-2 seems to dictate binding by pathogenic species and to influence their virulence. Less clear is the influence of O-glycans in quorum sensing and biofilm formation. We have reviewed the advances in the in vitro models available to recreate the phenomena that capture the physiological context of the intestinal environment, emphasising models that include mucus and other aspects relevant to the physiological context. SUMMARY The recent findings highlight the importance of merging advances in analytical (glycans analysis) and omics techniques along with original robust in vitro models that enable to deconstruct part of the high complexity of the living gut and expand our understanding of the microbes-mucosa relationships and their significance in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Berberolli
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds. Leeds, LS6 4RG, United Kingdom
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Yang Y, Lv L, Shi S, Cai G, Yu L, Xu S, Zhu T, Su X, Mao N, Zhang Y, Peng S, He J, Liu Z, Wang D. Polysaccharide from walnut green husk alleviates liver inflammation and gluconeogenesis dysfunction by altering gut microbiota in ochratoxin A-induced mice. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 322:121362. [PMID: 37839834 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121362] [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] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Walnut green husk polysaccharides (WGP) are isolated from the walnut green husk with a mean molecular weight of 12.77 kDa. The structural characterization revealed by methylation and NMR analysis indicated that WGP might consist of →4-α-D-Galp-(1→, α-D-Galp (1→, and →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→. Previous studies have been demonstrated that WGP effectively prevented liver injury and modulated gut microbiota in high fructose-treated mice and high fat diet-treated rats. In this study, we found for the first time that WGP presenting outstanding protective effects on liver inflammation and gluconeogenesis dysfunction induced by ochratoxin A (OTA) in mice. Firstly, WGP decreased oxidative stress, down-regulated the expression of inflammatory factors and inhibited the TLR4/p65/IκBα pathway in the liver. Then, WGP reversed OTA-induced lower phosphoenolpyruvate carboxyl kinase (PEPCK), and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6PC) activities in the liver. Furthermore, WGP increased the diversity of gut microbiota and the abundance of beneficial bacteria, especially Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Importantly, the results of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment further confirmed that gut microbiota involved in the protective effects of WGP on liver damage induced by OTA. Our results indicated that the protective effect of WGP on liver inflammation and gluconeogenesis dysfunction caused by OTA may be due to the regulation of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Linjie Lv
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Shanshan Shi
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Gaofeng Cai
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Lin Yu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Shuwen Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xinyue Su
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Ningning Mao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Song Peng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Jin He
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zhenguang Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Deyun Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Institute of Immunology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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22
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Zhao T, Zhang Y, Nan L, Zhu Q, Wang S, Xie Y, Dong X, Cao C, Lin X, Lu Y, Liu Y, Huang L, Gong G, Wang Z. Impact of structurally diverse polysaccharides on colonic mucin O-glycosylation and gut microbiota. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:97. [PMID: 38081891 PMCID: PMC10713555 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how dietary polysaccharides affect mucin O-glycosylation and gut microbiota could provide various nutrition-based treatments. Here, the O-glycan profile of the colonic mucosa and gut microbiome were investigated in C57BL/6J mice fed six structurally diverse dietary polysaccharides and a mixture of six fibers. Dietary polysaccharides increased total O-glycans, mainly by stimulating neutral glycans. Highly branched arabinogalactan promoted terminally fucosylated core 1 O-glycans; whereas linear polysaccharides, including pectin, konjac glucomannan, inulin, and the fiber mixture, favored terminally di-fucosylated O-glycans. The last three polysaccharides also lowered the level of sulfated O-glycans and sialylated mono-fucosylated O-glycans. Varied monosaccharide composition in mixed polysaccharides had a synergistic beneficial effect, boosting fucosylated neutral glycans, decreasing acidic glycans, and stimulating microbial richness and diversity. Dietary polysaccharides containing arabinose and sulfate groups enhanced the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae, respectively. The present comparison reveals the relationship between dietary polysaccharide structure, mucin O-glycan composition, and intestinal microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhao
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Linhua Nan
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Shukai Wang
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yutao Xie
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xinling Dong
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Cui Cao
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaoliang Lin
- Infinitus (China) Company Ltd, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yuxia Liu
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Linjuan Huang
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Guiping Gong
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Zhongfu Wang
- Shaanxi Natural Carbohydrate Resource Engineering Research Center, College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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Gubernatorova EO, Gorshkova EA, Bondareva MA, Podosokorskaya OA, Sheynova AD, Yakovleva AS, Bonch-Osmolovskaya EA, Nedospasov SA, Kruglov AA, Drutskaya MS. Akkermansia muciniphila - friend or foe in colorectal cancer? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1303795. [PMID: 38124735 PMCID: PMC10731290 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, which represents a part of the commensal human microbiota. Decline in the abundance of A. muciniphila among other microbial species in the gut correlates with severe systemic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer. Due to its mucin-reducing and immunomodulatory properties, the use of probiotics containing Akkermansia sp. appears as a promising approach to the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. In particular, a number of studies have focused on the role of A. muciniphila in colorectal cancer. Of note, the results of these studies in mice are contradictory: some reported a protective role of A. muciniphila in colorectal cancer, while others demonstrated that administration of A. muciniphila could aggravate the course of the disease resulting in increased tumor burden. More recent studies suggested the immunomodulatory effect of certain unique surface antigens of A. muciniphila on the intestinal immune system. In this Perspective, we attempt to explain how A. muciniphila contributes to protection against colorectal cancer in some models, while being pathogenic in others. We argue that differences in the experimental protocols of administration of A. muciniphila, as well as viability of bacteria, may significantly affect the results. In addition, we hypothesize that antigens presented by pasteurized bacteria or live A. muciniphila may exert distinct effects on the barrier functions of the gut. Finally, A. muciniphila may reduce the mucin barrier and exerts combined effects with other bacterial species in either promoting or inhibiting cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina O. Gubernatorova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Gorshkova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina A. Bondareva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga A. Podosokorskaya
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Centre of Biotechnology Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna D. Sheynova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia S. Yakovleva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta A. Bonch-Osmolovskaya
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Centre of Biotechnology Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei A. Nedospasov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodarsky Krai, Russia
| | - Andrey A. Kruglov
- German Rheumatism Research Center (DRFZ), Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina S. Drutskaya
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Krasnodarsky Krai, Russia
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24
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Zhang YS, Juhasz AL, Xi JF, Ma LQ, Zhou D, Li HB. Dietary Galactooligosaccharides Supplementation as a Gut Microbiota-Regulating Approach to Lower Early Life Arsenic Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19463-19472. [PMID: 37943691 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07168] [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: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Prebiotics may stimulate beneficial gut microorganisms. However, it remains unclear whether they can lower the oral bioavailability of early life arsenic (As) exposure via regulating gut microbiota and altering As biotransformation along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this study, weanling mice were exposed to arsenate (iAsV) via diet (7.5 μg As g-1) amended with fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and inulin individually at 1% and 5% (w/w). Compared to As exposure control mice, As concentrations in mouse blood, liver, and kidneys and As urinary excretion factor (UEF) were reduced by 43.7%-74.1% when treated with 5% GOS. The decrease corresponded to a significant proliferation of Akkermansia and Psychrobacter, reduced percentage of inorganic arsenite (iAsIII) and iAsV by 47.4% and 65.4%, and increased proportion of DMAV in intestinal contents by 101% in the guts of mice treated with 5% GOS compared to the As control group. In contrast, FOS and inulin either at l% or 5% did not reduce As concentration in mouse blood, liver, and kidneys or As UEF. These results suggest that GOS supplementation may be a gut microbiota-regulating approach to lower early life As exposure via stimulating the growth of Akkermansia and Psychrobacter and enhancing As methylation in the GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Jin-Feng Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lena Q Ma
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hong-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Vehicle Emissions Control, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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25
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Wu W, Zhao Z, Zhao Z, Zhang D, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Fang Z, Bai Y, Guo X. Structure, Health Benefits, Mechanisms, and Gut Microbiota of Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides: A Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4901. [PMID: 38068759 PMCID: PMC10708504 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs) are important active polysaccharides found in Dendrobium officinale, which is commonly used as a conventional food or herbal medicine and is well known in China. DOPs can influence the composition of the gut microbiota and the degradation capacity of these symbiotic bacteria, which in turn may determine the efficacy of dietary interventions. However, the necessary analysis of the relationship between DOPs and the gut microbiota is lacking. In this review, we summarize the extraction, structure, health benefits, and related mechanisms of DOPs, construct the DOPs-host axis, and propose that DOPs are potential prebiotics, mainly composed of 1,4-β-D-mannose, 1,4-β-D-glucose, and O-acetate groups, which induce an increase in the abundance of gut microbiota such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Prevotella. In addition, we found that when exposed to DOPs with different structural properties, the gut microbiota may exhibit different diversity and composition and provide health benefits, such as metabolism regulations, inflammation modulation, immunity moderation, and cancer intervention. This may contribute to facilitating the development of functional foods and health products to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Wu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Z.); (D.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Ziqi Zhao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Z.); (D.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Zhaoer Zhao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Z.); (D.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Dandan Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Z.); (D.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Qianyi Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Z.); (D.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China;
| | - Zhengyi Fang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China;
| | - Yiling Bai
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Z.); (D.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Xiaohui Guo
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; (W.W.); (Z.Z.); (Z.Z.); (D.Z.); (Q.Z.); (Y.B.)
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26
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Padilla L, Fricker AD, Luna E, Choudhury B, Hughes ER, Panzetta ME, Valdivia RH, Flores GE. Mechanism of 2'-Fucosyllactose degradation by Human-Associated Akkermansia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.17.562767. [PMID: 37904935 PMCID: PMC10614881 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Among the first microorganisms to colonize the human gut of breastfed infants are bacteria capable of fermenting human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). One of the most abundant HMOs, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), may specifically drive bacterial colonization of the intestine. Recently, differential growth has been observed across multiple species of Akkermansia on various HMOs including 2'FL. In culture, we found growth of two species, A. muciniphila Muc T and A. biwaensis CSUN-19, in HMOS corresponded to a decrease in the levels of 2'-FL and an increase in lactose, indicating that the first step in 2'-FL catabolism is the cleavage of fucose. Using phylogenetic analysis and transcriptional profiling, we found that the number and expression of fucosidase genes from two glycoside hydrolase (GH) families, GH29 and GH95, varies between these two species. During mid-log phase growth, the expression of several GH29 genes was increased by 2'-FL in both species, whereas the GH95 genes were induced only in A. muciniphila . We further show that one putative fucosidase and a β-galactosidase from A. biwaensis are involved in the breakdown of 2'-FL. Our findings indicate that that plasticity of GHs of human associated Akkermansia sp. enable access to additional growth substrates present in HMOs, including 2'-FL. Our work highlights the potential for Akkermansia to influence the development of the gut microbiota early in life and expands the known metabolic capabilities of this important human symbiont. IMPORTANCE Akkermansia are mucin degrading specialists widely distributed in the human population. Akkermansia biwaensis has recently been observed to have enhanced growth relative to other human associated Akkermansia on multiple human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). However, the mechanisms for enhanced growth are not understood. Here, we characterized the phylogenetic diversity and function of select genes involved in growth of A. biwaensis on 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), a dominant HMO. Specifically, we demonstrate that two genes in a genomic locus, a putative β-galactosidase and α-fucosidase, are likely responsible for the enhanced growth on 2'-FL. The functional characterization of A. biwaensis growth on 2'-FL delineates the significance of a single genomic locus that may facilitate enhanced colonization and functional activity of select Akkermansia early in life.
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27
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Luis AS, Hansson GC. Intestinal mucus and their glycans: A habitat for thriving microbiota. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1087-1100. [PMID: 37442097 PMCID: PMC10348403 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The colon mucus layer is organized with an inner colon mucus layer that is impenetrable to bacteria and an outer mucus layer that is expanded to allow microbiota colonization. A major component of mucus is MUC2, a glycoprotein that is extensively decorated, especially with O-glycans. In the intestine, goblet cells are specialized in controlling glycosylation and making mucus. Some microbiota members are known to encode multiple proteins that are predicted to bind and/or cleave mucin glycans. The interactions between commensal microbiota and host mucins drive intestinal colonization, while at the same time, the microbiota can utilize the glycans on mucins and affect the colonic mucus properties. This review will examine this interaction between commensal microbes and intestinal mucins and discuss how this interplay affects health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Luis
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnar C Hansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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28
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Holst AQ, Myers P, Rodríguez-García P, Hermes GDA, Melsaether C, Baker A, Jensen SR, Parschat K. Infant Formula Supplemented with Five Human Milk Oligosaccharides Shifts the Fecal Microbiome of Formula-Fed Infants Closer to That of Breastfed Infants. Nutrients 2023; 15:3087. [PMID: 37513505 PMCID: PMC10383262 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breastmilk is the optimal source of infant nutrition, with short-term and long-term health benefits. Some of these benefits are mediated by human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), a unique group of carbohydrates representing the third most abundant solid component of human milk. We performed the first clinical study on infant formula supplemented with five different HMOs (5HMO-mix), comprising 2'-fucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, lacto-N-tetraose, 3'-sialyllactose and 6'-sialyllactose at a natural total concentration of 5.75 g/L, and here report the analysis of the infant fecal microbiome. We found an increase in the relative abundance of bifidobacteria in the 5HMO-mix cohort compared with the formula-fed control, specifically affecting bifidobacteria that can produce aromatic lactic acids. 5HMO-mix influenced the microbial composition as early as Week 1, and the observed changes persisted to at least Week 16, including a relative decrease in species with opportunistic pathogenic strains down to the level observed in breastfed infants during the first 4 weeks. We further analyzed the functional potential of the microbiome and observed features shared between 5HMO-mix-supplemented and breastfed infants, such as a relative enrichment in mucus and tyrosine degradation, with the latter possibly being linked to the aromatic lactic acids. The 5HMO-mix supplement, therefore, shifts the infant fecal microbiome closer to that of breastfed infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Adam Baker
- Chr. Hansen A/S, 2970 Hoersholm, Denmark
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Muñoz-Provencio D, Yebra MJ. Gut Microbial Sialidases and Their Role in the Metabolism of Human Milk Sialylated Glycans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9994. [PMID: 37373145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sialic acids (SAs) are α-keto-acid sugars with a nine-carbon backbone present at the non-reducing end of human milk oligosaccharides and the glycan moiety of glycoconjugates. SAs displayed on cell surfaces participate in the regulation of many physiologically important cellular and molecular processes, including signaling and adhesion. Additionally, sialyl-oligosaccharides from human milk act as prebiotics in the colon by promoting the settling and proliferation of specific bacteria with SA metabolism capabilities. Sialidases are glycosyl hydrolases that release α-2,3-, α-2,6- and α-2,8-glycosidic linkages of terminal SA residues from oligosaccharides, glycoproteins and glycolipids. The research on sialidases has been traditionally focused on pathogenic microorganisms, where these enzymes are considered virulence factors. There is now a growing interest in sialidases from commensal and probiotic bacteria and their potential transglycosylation activity for the production of functional mimics of human milk oligosaccharides to complement infant formulas. This review provides an overview of exo-alpha-sialidases of bacteria present in the human gastrointestinal tract and some insights into their biological role and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Muñoz-Provencio
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Av. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - María J Yebra
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA-CSIC), Av. Agustín Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Spain
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