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FEMS Microbiology Reviews Jul 2023In humans, many diseases are associated with alterations in gut microbiota, namely increases or decreases in the abundance of specific bacterial groups. One example is... (Review)
Review
In humans, many diseases are associated with alterations in gut microbiota, namely increases or decreases in the abundance of specific bacterial groups. One example is the genus Faecalibacterium. Numerous studies have underscored that low levels of Faecalibacterium are correlated with inflammatory conditions, with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the forefront. Its representation is also diminished in the case of several diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC), dermatitis, and depression. Additionally, the relative presence of this genus is considered to reflect, at least in part, intestinal health status because Faecalibacterium is frequently present at reduced levels in individuals with gastrointestinal diseases or disorders. In this review, we first thoroughly describe updates to the taxonomy of Faecalibacterium, which has transformed a single-species taxon to a multispecies taxon over the last decade. We then explore the links discovered between Faecalibacterium abundance and various diseases since the first IBD-focused studies were published. Next, we examine current available strategies for modulating Faecalibacterium levels in the gut. Finally, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects that have been attributed to this genus. Together, epidemiological and experimental data strongly support the use of Faecalibacterium as a next-generation probiotic (NGP) or live biotherapeutic product (LBP).
Topics: Humans; Faecalibacterium; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Diseases
PubMed: 37451743
DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad039 -
Cancer Cell Aug 2023Carnobacterium maltaromaticum was found to be specifically depleted in female patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Administration of C. maltaromaticum reduces...
Carnobacterium maltaromaticum was found to be specifically depleted in female patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Administration of C. maltaromaticum reduces intestinal tumor formation in two murine CRC models in a female-specific manner. Estrogen increases the attachment and colonization of C. maltaromaticum via increasing the colonic expression of SLC3A2 that binds to DD-CPase of this bacterium. Metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling unveils the increased gut abundance of vitamin D-related metabolites and the mucosal activation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling in C. maltaromaticum-gavaged mice in a gut microbiome- and VDR-dependent manner. In vitro fermentation system confirms the metabolic cross-feeding of C. maltaromaticum with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii to convert C. maltaromaticum-produced 7-dehydrocholesterol into vitamin D for activating the host VDR signaling. Overall, C. maltaromaticum colonizes the gut in an estrogen-dependent manner and acts along with other microbes to augment the intestinal vitamin D production to activate the host VDR for suppressing CRC.
Topics: Mice; Female; Animals; Vitamin D; Carnobacterium; Estrogens; Colorectal Neoplasms; Receptors, Calcitriol
PubMed: 37478851
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.06.011 -
Nature Aug 2023The human gut microbiota has gained interest as an environmental factor that may contribute to health or disease. The development of next-generation probiotics is a...
The human gut microbiota has gained interest as an environmental factor that may contribute to health or disease. The development of next-generation probiotics is a promising strategy to modulate the gut microbiota and improve human health; however, several key candidate next-generation probiotics are strictly anaerobic and may require synergy with other bacteria for optimal growth. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a highly prevalent and abundant human gut bacterium associated with human health, but it has not yet been developed into probiotic formulations. Here we describe the co-isolation of F. prausnitzii and Desulfovibrio piger, a sulfate-reducing bacterium, and their cross-feeding for growth and butyrate production. To produce a next-generation probiotic formulation, we adapted F. prausnitzii to tolerate oxygen exposure, and, in proof-of-concept studies, we demonstrate that the symbiotic product is tolerated by mice and humans (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03728868 ) and is detected in the human gut in a subset of study participants. Our study describes a technology for the production of next-generation probiotics based on the adaptation of strictly anaerobic bacteria to tolerate oxygen exposures without a reduction in potential beneficial properties. Our technology may be used for the development of other strictly anaerobic strains as next-generation probiotics.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Butyrates; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Oxygen; Probiotics; Aerobiosis; Faecalibacterium prausnitzii; Symbiosis; Biotechnology
PubMed: 37532933
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06378-w -
Nature Medicine Nov 2023Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have provided numerous associations between human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and health traits. Likewise,...
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have provided numerous associations between human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and health traits. Likewise, metagenome-wide association studies (MWASs) between bacterial SNPs and human traits can suggest mechanistic links, but very few such studies have been done thus far. In this study, we devised an MWAS framework to detect SNPs and associate them with host phenotypes systematically. We recruited and obtained gut metagenomic samples from a cohort of 7,190 healthy individuals and discovered 1,358 statistically significant associations between a bacterial SNP and host body mass index (BMI), from which we distilled 40 independent associations. Most of these associations were unexplained by diet, medications or physical exercise, and 17 replicated in a geographically independent cohort. We uncovered BMI-associated SNPs in 27 bacterial species, and 12 of them showed no association by standard relative abundance analysis. We revealed a BMI association of an SNP in a potentially inflammatory pathway of Bilophila wadsworthia as well as of a group of SNPs in a region coding for energy metabolism functions in a Faecalibacterium prausnitzii genome. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering nucleotide-level diversity in microbiome studies and pave the way toward improved understanding of interpersonal microbiome differences and their potential health implications.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Body Mass Index; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genome-Wide Association Study; Microbiota; Bacteria
PubMed: 37919437
DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02599-8 -
Science Translational Medicine Nov 2023Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization is a fundamental challenge in antimicrobial resistance. Limited studies have shown that fecal microbiota transplantation... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization is a fundamental challenge in antimicrobial resistance. Limited studies have shown that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can reduce MDRO colonization, but its mechanisms are poorly understood. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of FMT for MDRO decolonization in renal transplant recipients called PREMIX (NCT02922816). Eleven participants were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to FMT or an observation period followed by delayed FMT if stool cultures were MDRO positive at day 36. Participants who were MDRO positive after one FMT were treated with a second FMT. At last visit, eight of nine patients who completed all treatments were MDRO culture negative. FMT-treated participants had longer time to recurrent MDRO infection versus PREMIX-eligible controls who were not treated with FMT. Key taxa (, , , , species, , , and ) from the single feces donor used in the study that engrafted in recipients and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids in FMT-responding participants uncovered leads for rational microbiome therapeutic and diagnostic development. Metagenomic analyses revealed a previously unobserved mechanism of MDRO eradication by conspecific strain competition in an FMT-treated subset. Susceptible strains that replaced baseline extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing strains were not detectable in donor microbiota manufactured as FMT doses but in one case were detectable in the recipient before FMT. These data suggest that FMT may provide a path to exploit strain competition to reduce MDRO colonization.
Topics: Humans; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Feces; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37910603
DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo2750 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Nov 2023Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by multifactorial complex disorders triggered by environmental factors, genetic...
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides faecis and Roseburia intestinalis attenuate clinical symptoms of experimental colitis by regulating Treg/Th17 cell balance and intestinal barrier integrity.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by multifactorial complex disorders triggered by environmental factors, genetic susceptibility, and also gut microbial dysbiosis. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides faecis, and Roseburia intestinalis are underrepresented species in UC patients, leading to the hypothesis that therapeutic application of those bacteria could ameliorate clinical symptoms and disease severity. Acute colitis was induced in mice by 3.5% DSS, and the commensal bacterial species were administered by oral gavage simultaneously with DSS treatment for up to 7 days. The signs of colonic inflammation, the intestinal barrier integrity, the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were quantified. The concentrations of SCFAs in feces were measured using Gas-liquid chromatography. The gut microbiome was analyzed in all treatment groups at the endpoint of the experiment. Results were benchmarked against a contemporary mesalazine treatment regime. We show that commensal species alone and in combination reduced disease activity index scores, inhibited colon shortening, strengthened the colonic epithelial barrier, and positively modulated tight junction protein expression. The expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was significantly reduced. Immune modulation occurred via inhibition of the loss of CD4 +CD25 +Treg cells in the spleen. Our study proofed that therapeutic application of F. prausnitzii, B. faecis, and R. intestinalis significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis at the level of clinical symptoms, histological inflammation, and immune status. Our data suggest that these positive effects are mediated by immune-modulatory pathways and influence on Treg/Th17 balance.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Faecalibacterium prausnitzii; Th17 Cells; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Cytokines; Bacteria; Inflammation; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 37793274
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115568 -
Nature Jan 2024Although the impact of host genetics on gut microbial diversity and the abundance of specific taxa is well established, little is known about how host genetics regulates... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Although the impact of host genetics on gut microbial diversity and the abundance of specific taxa is well established, little is known about how host genetics regulates the genetic diversity of gut microorganisms. Here we conducted a meta-analysis of associations between human genetic variation and gut microbial structural variation in 9,015 individuals from four Dutch cohorts. Strikingly, the presence rate of a structural variation segment in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii that harbours an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) utilization gene cluster is higher in individuals who secrete the type A oligosaccharide antigen terminating in GalNAc, a feature that is jointly determined by human ABO and FUT2 genotypes, and we could replicate this association in a Tanzanian cohort. In vitro experiments demonstrated that GalNAc can be used as the sole carbohydrate source for F. prausnitzii strains that carry the GalNAc-metabolizing pathway. Further in silico and in vitro studies demonstrated that other ABO-associated species can also utilize GalNAc, particularly Collinsella aerofaciens. The GalNAc utilization genes are also associated with the host's cardiometabolic health, particularly in individuals with mucosal A-antigen. Together, the findings of our study demonstrate that genetic associations across the human genome and bacterial metagenome can provide functional insights into the reciprocal host-microbiome relationship.
Topics: Humans; Acetylgalactosamine; Bacteria; Cohort Studies; Computer Simulation; Faecalibacterium prausnitzii; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genome, Human; Genotype; Host Microbial Interactions; In Vitro Techniques; Metagenome; Multigene Family; Netherlands; Tanzania
PubMed: 38172637
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06893-w -
Arthritis Research & Therapy Jul 2023Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease that leads to joint destruction and functional disability due to the targeting of self-antigens...
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii alleviates inflammatory arthritis and regulates IL-17 production, short chain fatty acids, and the intestinal microbial flora in experimental mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis.
BACKGROUND
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease that leads to joint destruction and functional disability due to the targeting of self-antigens present in the synovium, cartilage, and bone. RA is caused by a number of complex factors, including genetics, environment, dietary habits, and altered intestinal microbial flora. Microorganisms in the gut bind to nod-like receptors and Toll-like receptors to regulate the immune system and produce various metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that interact directly with the host. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a representative bacterium that produces butyrate, a well-known immunomodulatory agent in the body, and this microbe exerts anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune diseases.
METHODS
In this study, F. prausnitzii was administered in a mouse model of RA, to investigate RA pathology and changes in the intestinal microbial flora. Using collagen-induced arthritic mice, which is a representative animal model of RA, we administered F. prausnitzii orally for 7 weeks.
RESULTS
The arthritis score and joint tissue damage were decreased in the mice administered F. prausnitzii compared with the vehicle-treated group. In addition, administration of F. prausnitzii reduced the abundance of systemic immune cells that secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 and induced changes in SCFA concentrations and the intestinal microbial flora composition. It also resulted in decreased lactate and acetate concentrations, an increased butyrate concentration, and altered compositions of bacteria known to exacerbate or improve RA.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that F. prausnitzii exerts a therapeutic effect on RA by regulation of IL-17 producing cells. In addition, F. prausnitzii modify the microbial flora composition and short chain fatty acids in experimental RA mouse model.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Faecalibacterium prausnitzii; Interleukin-17; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Disease Models, Animal; Butyrates; Arthritis, Rheumatoid
PubMed: 37496081
DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03118-3 -
Molecular Biology Reports Apr 2024Recent and continuing advances in gut microbiome research have pointed out the role of the gut microbiota as an unexplored source of potentially beneficial probiotic... (Review)
Review
Recent and continuing advances in gut microbiome research have pointed out the role of the gut microbiota as an unexplored source of potentially beneficial probiotic microbes. Along the lines of these advances, both public awareness and acceptance of probiotics are increasing. That's why; academic and industrial research is dedicated to identifying and investigating new microbial strains for the development of next-generation probiotics (NGPs). At this time, there is a growing interest in NGPs as biotherapeutics that alter the gut microbiome and affect various diseases development. In this work, we have focused on some emergent and promising NGPs, specifically Eubacterium hallii, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia spp., Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bacteroides fragilis, as their presence in the gut can have an impact on the development of various diseases. Emerging studies point out the beneficial roles of these NGPs and open up novel promising therapeutic options. Interestingly, these NGPs were found to enhance gastrointestinal immunity, enhance immunotherapy efficacy in cancer patients, retain the intestinal barrier integrity, generate valuable metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids, and decrease complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although many of these NGPs are considered promising for the prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases, research on humans is still lacking. Therefore, approval of these microbes from regulatory agencies is rare. Besides, some issues limit their wide use in the market, such as suitable methods for the culture and storage of these oxygen-sensitive microbes. The present review goes over the main points related to NGPs and gives a viewpoint on the key issues that still hinder their wide application. Furthermore, we have focused on the advancement in NGPs and human healthiness investigations by clarifying the limitations of traditional probiotic microorganisms, discussing the characteristics of emerging NGPs and defining their role in the management of certain ailments. Future research should emphasize the isolation, mechanisms of action of these probiotics, safety, and clinical efficacy in humans.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Immunotherapy; Oxygen; Probiotics
PubMed: 38619680
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09398-5 -
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS Jan 2024The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in coronary artery disease (CAD) development, but limited attention has been given to the role of the microbiota in preventing...
BACKGROUND
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in coronary artery disease (CAD) development, but limited attention has been given to the role of the microbiota in preventing this disease. This study aimed to identify key biomarkers using metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics and verify their associations with atherosclerosis.
METHODS
A total of 371 participants, including individuals with various CAD types and CAD-free controls, were enrolled. Subsequently, significant markers were identified in the stool samples through gut metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. In vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the association between these markers and atherosclerosis.
RESULTS
Faecal omics sequencing revealed that individuals with a substantial presence of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii had the lowest incidence of CAD across diverse CAD groups and control subjects. A random forest model confirmed the significant relationship between F. prausnitzii and CAD incidence. Notably, F. prausnitzii emerged as a robust, independent CAD predictor. Furthermore, our findings indicated the potential of the gut microbiota and gut metabolites to predict CAD occurrence and progression, potentially impacting amino acid and vitamin metabolism. F. prausnitzii mitigated inflammation and exhibited an antiatherosclerotic effect on ApoE mice after gavage. This effect was attributed to reduced intestinal LPS synthesis and reinforced mechanical and mucosal barriers, leading to decreased plasma LPS levels and an antiatherosclerotic outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Sequencing of the samples revealed a previously unknown link between specific gut microbiota and atherosclerosis. Treatment with F. prausnitzii may help prevent CAD by inhibiting atherosclerosis.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Faecalibacterium prausnitzii; Lipopolysaccharides; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Atherosclerosis
PubMed: 38243314
DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01464-y