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Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Large Intestine01:27

Microbiota of the Large Intestine

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The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
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The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is characterized by distinct physicochemical conditions that shape its microbial communities. Among these, the stomach presents a particularly challenging environment for microbial colonization due to its highly acidic pH, ranging from 1 to 3. This extreme acidity effectively limits microbial density. However, certain acid-tolerant microorganisms are capable of surviving in this niche. Notably, Helicobacter pylori can colonize the gastric mucosa,...
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The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
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The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
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The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
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Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity,...
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Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging
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The outer mucus layer hosts a distinct intestinal microbial niche.

Hai Li1, Julien P Limenitakis1, Tobias Fuhrer2

  • 1Maurice Müller Laboratories (DKF), Universitätsklinik für Viszerale Chirurgie und Medizin Inselspital, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.

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The outer mucus layer of the large intestine is a unique niche for gut microbes, supporting distinct communities and differential resource utilization. This specialized environment significantly influences the overall intestinal microbiota composition and host interactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Mammalian intestinal microbiota composition varies significantly between individuals and along the intestinal tract.
  • The intestinal mucus layer, secreted by goblet cells, acts as a protective barrier.
  • The inner mucus layer is largely sterile, suggesting a distinct role for the outer layer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the outer mucus layer as a unique microbial niche.
  • To characterize the bacterial communities within the outer mucus layer.
  • To understand resource utilization and proliferation of bacteria in this niche.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of bacterial communities in the outer mucus layer and intestinal lumen.
  • Assessment of bacterial proliferation and resource utilization.
  • Genomic analysis of metabolic capabilities.

Main Results:

  • The outer mucus layer harbors distinct microbial communities, including bacteria lacking specialized mucolytic capabilities.
  • Bacterial species exhibit differential proliferation and resource utilization within the mucus compared to the lumen.
  • Bacteria in the mucus efficiently recover bioavailable iron and consume epithelial-derived carbon sources.

Conclusions:

  • The outer mucus layer represents a specialized niche that shapes gut microbiota composition.
  • Bacterial adaptation to the mucus environment influences their metabolic activity and interaction with the host.
  • Competition within this niche is a key factor in determining microbiota structure and host-microbe molecular exchange.