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Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Screening and Isolation of C-Glycoside-Cleaving Intestinal Bacteria
Published on: February 28, 2025
Structural elucidation of a pectic polysaccharide from Fructus Mori and its bioactivity on intestinal bacteria
Saijuan Li1, Meixia Li2, Han Yue1
1School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, 201 Dalian Road, Zunyi 563003, PR China; Glycochemistry and Glycobiology Lab, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, PR China.
Abstract:
Many studies suggested that polysaccharides could impact on the gut microbiota. To discover new polysaccharides which influence intestinal beneficial bacteria, a pectin polysaccharide FMP-6-S2 with an average molecular weight of 86.83 kDa was purified from Fructus Mori. The monosaccharide residue analysis indicated that FMP-6-S2 was composed of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, galactose and arabinose in a molar ratio of 30.86: 24.78: 28.70: 15.61. The backbone of FMP-6-S2 contained 1, 4-linked α-GalpA and 1, 2-linked α-Rhap with branches substituted at C-4 position of rhamnose. The branches were composed of 1, 4-linked β-Galp, terminal (T) - and 1, 3, 6-linked β-Galp, T- and 1, 5-linked α-Araf. Bioactivity test results suggested that FMP-6-S2 and its degraded product could promote growth of intestinal bacteria, B. thetaiotaomicron, which is a dominate strain in the gut of human to benefit intestinal mucosa. These results suggested that FMP-6-S2 and its degraded product might improve human wellness by modulating B. thetaiotaomicron.
Insights
A novel pectin polysaccharide from Fructus Mori, FMP-6-S2, promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. This finding suggests potential applications for FMP-6-S2 in improving human gut health and wellness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Polysaccharides are known to influence gut microbiota composition and function.
- Identifying specific polysaccharides that promote beneficial intestinal bacteria is crucial for gut health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel pectin polysaccharide from Fructus Mori (FMP-6-S2).
- To investigate the effect of FMP-6-S2 on the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.
Main Methods:
- Purification of pectin polysaccharide FMP-6-S2 from Fructus Mori.
- Monosaccharide residue analysis and structural elucidation of FMP-6-S2.
- Bioactivity assays to assess the impact of FMP-6-S2 on bacterial growth.
Main Results:
- FMP-6-S2, with a molecular weight of 86.83 kDa, was purified and characterized.
- Structural analysis revealed a complex pectin structure with specific linkages and branching patterns.
- FMP-6-S2 and its degraded product significantly promoted the growth of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.
Conclusions:
- FMP-6-S2 is a promising prebiotic candidate due to its ability to modulate gut microbiota.
- The study highlights the potential of FMP-6-S2 in enhancing human wellness by supporting beneficial bacteria like B. thetaiotaomicron.
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