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Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface
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Insights from genomes of representatives of the human gut commensal Bifidobacterium bifidum

Sabrina Duranti1, Christian Milani1, Gabriele Andrea Lugli1

  • 1Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

Environmental Microbiology
|December 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Bifidobacterium bifidum possesses unique genes enabling it to metabolize host glycans, crucial for infant gut microbiota adaptation. This adaptation highlights the evolutionary impact of nutrient access on bacterial genomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Human Microbiome

Background:

  • Bifidobacteria are gut bacteria influencing host physiology.
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum is a key member of the infant gut microbiota.
  • Molecular mechanisms of B. bifidum adaptation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic basis of B. bifidum adaptation to the human infant gut.
  • To identify unique genetic features related to nutrient acquisition in B. bifidum.

Main Methods:

  • Pan-genome analysis of 15 B. bifidum strains.
  • In silico identification of conserved genes.
  • Growth experiments and transcriptomic analysis.
  • Metagenomic dataset interrogation.

Main Results:

  • A conserved gene unique to B. bifidum was identified, targeting host-derived glycans like mucin.
  • Experimental data confirmed B. bifidum's ability to break down host glycans.
  • Genetic features for glycan breakdown are widespread in B. bifidum.

Conclusions:

  • Metabolic access to host glycans is a significant evolutionary driver for B. bifidum.
  • These specialized metabolic capabilities shape the infant intestinal microbiota ecology.

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