Mitochondrial gene polymorphism is associated with gut microbial communities in mice

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Gut microbial communities influence health and disease, including metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
• Host genetics, encompassing nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes, are critical determinants of disease phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of distinct mtDNA mutations on gut microbiota composition.
• To explore the relationship between mtDNA variations, gut microbiome, and host phenotypes, including metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Main Methods:

• Utilized conplastic mouse strains with identical nDNA but distinct mtDNA mutations.
• Analyzed gut microbiota composition across different mouse strains at phylum and operational taxonomic unit levels.
• Correlated specific mtDNA mutations with host phenotypes and disease susceptibility.

Main Results:

• Each of the three tested mouse strains exhibited a unique gut microbiota profile.
• The C57BL/6J-mt^FVB/NJ strain, with an ATP8 synthase gene mutation, showed a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, suggesting potential metabolic dysfunction.
• This strain also displayed increased susceptibility to metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Conclusions:

• mtDNA mutations induce significant alterations in gut microbial community structure.
• These mtDNA-driven microbiome changes may predispose to metabolic diseases.
• The interplay between mtDNA, mitochondria, and the gut microbiota presents potential therapeutic avenues for metabolic and inflammatory conditions.