Longitudinal Microbiome Analysis in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mouse Model.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• The gut microbiota's role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis is a long-standing research area.
• Previous cross-sectional microbiome studies in IBD and colitis models yielded indefinite results.
• There is a need for longitudinal analyses to understand dynamic microbial shifts during disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a longitudinal microbiome analysis in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model.
• To investigate the dynamic changes in cecal microbial diversity and populations during colitis progression.
• To correlate specific microbial taxa with colitis severity and inflammatory biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal microbiome analysis in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.
• Two-factor experimental design: serial DSS dose (0-3%) and duration (12 days).
• Cecal samples collected at two-day intervals for microbial analysis; inflammatory biomarkers assessed.

Main Results:

• Observed a transition from normal microbial diversity to dysbiosis during colitis development.
• Identified specific bacterial genera that were significantly induced or depleted by DSS exposure.
• Confirmed correlations between individual microbial taxa and colitis severity, including intestinal bleeding and neutrophil markers.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbial populations exhibit dynamic changes and individual susceptibility during DSS-induced colitis.
• Understanding the specific responses of microbial taxa to colitis conditions is crucial.
• This approach may help elucidate the role of gut microbes in IBD pathogenesis.