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Glycan Utilization and Cross-Feeding Activities by Bifidobacteria
Francesca Turroni1, Christian Milani2, Sabrina Duranti2
1Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Trends in Microbiology
|November 2, 2017
Summary
Bifidobacteria are early gut colonizers with advanced saccharolytic abilities. Their genomes show unique adaptations for carbohydrate metabolism, enabling dominance through nutrient sharing and social behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Gut Microbiome Research
Background:
- Bifidobacteria are key early colonizers of the mammalian gut.
- Their success is linked to specialized saccharolytic (carbohydrate-degrading) capabilities.
- Understanding their genomic adaptations is crucial for microbiome research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic strategies of bifidobacteria for glycan utilization.
- To explore the evolutionary basis of their carbohydrate metabolism.
- To understand the role of these adaptations in their prevalence within the gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analyses of bifidobacteria.
- Comparative genomics to identify carbohydrate-active genes.
- Bioinformatic approaches to study glycan metabolism pathways.
Main Results:
- Bifidobacterial genomes possess a high number of genes dedicated to carbohydrate metabolism.
- Specific genetic strategies enable the breakdown of diverse dietary and host-derived glycans.
- Evidence suggests cross-feeding and resource-sharing activities among bifidobacterial strains.
Conclusions:
- Bifidobacterial genome evolution showcases remarkable adaptation for carbohydrate utilization.
- These adaptations contribute to their dominance and prevalence in the early gut microbiota.
- The "social behavior" of bifidobacteria, through nutrient sharing, is a key ecological strategy.
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