Probiotic Bacillus subtilis Protects against α-Synuclein Aggregation in C. elegans

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The gut microbiome's role in Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasingly recognized, but mechanisms remain elusive.
• Alpha-synuclein aggregation is a hallmark of PD pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) in a Parkinson's disease model.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which B. subtilis influences alpha-synuclein aggregation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Caenorhabditis elegans model of synucleinopathy.
• Administered B. subtilis strain PXN21 and other strains.
• Assessed alpha-synuclein aggregation, DAF-16 mediation, biofilm formation, and host metabolic pathways.

Main Results:

• B. subtilis PXN21 inhibited alpha-synuclein aggregation and cleared existing aggregates in C. elegans.
• Protection was observed in both young and aged animals, partly mediated by DAF-16.
• Biofilm formation and bacterial metabolites from multiple B. subtilis strains contributed to the protective effect, impacting host sphingolipid metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Bacillus subtilis demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease by mitigating alpha-synuclein pathology.
• B. subtilis's effects involve biofilm formation, metabolite release, and modulation of host sphingolipid metabolism.
• Further exploration of B. subtilis as a dietary supplement for neurodegenerative disease modification is warranted.