Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model
Published on: February 28, 2018
Delineating effect of corn microRNAs and matrix, ingested as whole food, on gut microbiota in a rodent model
Haiqiu Huang1,2, Quynhchi Pham1, Cindy D Davis2
1Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center USDA-ARS Beltsville Maryland USA.
Abstract:
Dietary microRNAs (miRNAs) are thought to regulate a wide range of biological processes, including the gut microbiota. However, it is difficult to separate specific effect(s) of miRNA from that of the food matrix. This study aims to elucidate the specific effect(s) of dietary corn miRNAs, ingested as a whole food, on the gut microbiota. We developed an autoclave procedure to remove 98% of miRNA from corn. A mouse feeding study was conducted comparing autoclaved corn to nonautoclaved corn and purified corn miRNA. Compared to nonspecific nucleotides and corn devoid of miRNAs, feeding purified corn miRNAs or corn to C57BL/6 mice via gavage or diet supplementation for two weeks lead to a decrease in total bacteria in the cecum. The effect appeared to be due to changes in Firmicutes. Additionally, corn matrix minus miRNA and processing also affected gut bacteria. In silico analysis identified corn miRNAs that aligned to Firmicutes genome sequences lending further support to the interaction between corn miRNAs and this bacterium. These data support interactions between plant food miRNA, as well as matrix, and the gut microbiota exist but complex. However, it provides additional support for mechanism by which bioactive dietary components interact with the gut microbiota.
Insights
Dietary microRNAs (miRNAs) from corn impact gut bacteria, particularly Firmicutes. This research clarifies the specific roles of plant-based miRNAs and food matrices in modulating the gut microbiome.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Dietary microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in regulating host and microbial biological processes.
- Distinguishing the specific effects of miRNAs from the food matrix is challenging.
- Understanding plant miRNA interactions with the gut microbiota is crucial for nutrition and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific effects of dietary corn miRNAs on the gut microbiota.
- To differentiate the impact of corn miRNAs from the corn food matrix.
- To investigate the mechanism of interaction between plant miRNAs and gut bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Developed an autoclaving procedure to remove 98% of miRNAs from corn.
- Conducted a mouse feeding study comparing autoclaved corn, non-autoclaved corn, and purified corn miRNA.
- Utilized in silico analysis to identify potential miRNA-genome sequence alignments.
Main Results:
- Feeding purified corn miRNAs or whole corn decreased total bacteria in the mouse cecum.
- The observed decrease in bacteria was primarily associated with changes in Firmicutes.
- Both corn miRNAs and the corn matrix (minus miRNAs) influenced gut bacteria composition.
- In silico analysis revealed corn miRNAs aligning to Firmicutes genomes.
Conclusions:
- Dietary corn miRNAs, independent of the food matrix, can modulate the gut microbiota, specifically reducing Firmicutes.
- The corn food matrix and processing also play a role in altering gut bacteria.
- These findings support a complex interaction between plant food miRNAs, their matrices, and the gut microbiota, highlighting a mechanism for bioactive dietary components.
- Provides evidence for direct interaction between plant miRNAs and gut bacteria like Firmicutes.
