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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
Akkermansia muciniphila Exerts Strain-Specific Effects on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice
Qing Liu1,2, Wenwei Lu1,2, Fengwei Tian1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Abstract:
Akkermansia muciniphila is a commensal bacterium of the gut mucus layer. Although both in vitro and in vivo data have shown that A. muciniphila strains exhibit strain-specific modulation of gut functions, its ability to moderate immunity to ulcerative colitis have not been verified. We selected three isolated human A. muciniphila strains (FSDLZ39M14, FSDLZ36M5 and FSDLZ20M4) and the A. muciniphila type strain ATCC BAA-835 to examine the effects of different A. muciniphila strains on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. All of the A. muciniphila strains were cultured anaerobically in brain heart infusion medium supplemented with 0.25% type II mucin from porcine stomach. To create animal models, colitis was established in C57BL/6 mice which randomly divided into six groups with 10 mice in each group by adding 3% dextran sulfate sodium to drinking water for 7 days. A. muciniphila strains were orally administered to the mice at a dose of 1 × 109 CFU. Only A. muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 exerted significant protection against ulcerative colitis (UC) by increasing the colon length, restoring body weight, decreasing gut permeability and promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine expression. However, the other strains (FSDLZ39M14, ATCC BAA-835 and FSDLZ20M4) failed to provide these effects. Notably, A. muciniphila FSDLZ20M4 showed a tendency to exacerbate inflammation according to several indicators. Gut microbiota sequencing showed that A. muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 supplementation recovered the gut microbiota of mice to a similar state to that of the control group. A comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that the positive effects of A. muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 compared with the FSDLZ20M4 strain may be associated with specific functional genes that are involved in immune defense mechanisms and protein synthesis. Our results verify the efficacy of A. muciniphila in improving UC and provide gene targets for the efficient and rapid screening of A. muciniphila strains with UC-alleviating effects.
Insights
Akkermansia muciniphila strain FSDLZ36M5 effectively protected against ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice by restoring gut health and reducing inflammation. Other strains showed no benefit or worsened UC symptoms, highlighting strain-specific effects.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut commensal bacterium known to modulate gut functions in a strain-specific manner.
- While its general benefits are recognized, the specific impact of different A. muciniphila strains on ulcerative colitis (UC) immunity remains unverified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the strain-specific effects of human Akkermansia muciniphila on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model.
- To identify specific A. muciniphila strains with potential therapeutic benefits for UC and explore underlying genetic mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Four human A. muciniphila strains (FSDLZ39M14, FSDLZ36M5, FSDLZ20M4, and ATCC BAA-835) were cultured and administered orally to C57BL/6 mice with DSS-induced colitis.
- Colitis was induced using 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days, with mice randomly assigned to six groups (including controls).
- Outcomes assessed included colon length, body weight, gut permeability, anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, gut microbiota composition, and comparative genomic analysis.
Main Results:
- Only A. muciniphila FSDLZ36M5 demonstrated significant protection against UC, evidenced by increased colon length, restored body weight, reduced gut permeability, and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
- Other tested strains (FSDLZ39M14, ATCC BAA-835, FSDLZ20M4) did not provide protection, with FSDLZ20M4 showing a tendency to exacerbate inflammation.
- FSDLZ36M5 supplementation restored gut microbiota diversity to levels similar to the control group.
- Comparative genomic analysis suggested that specific functional genes related to immune defense and protein synthesis in FSDLZ36M5 contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Conclusions:
- Akkermansia muciniphila possesses strain-dependent efficacy in ameliorating experimental ulcerative colitis.
- The strain FSDLZ36M5 is a promising candidate for UC therapy, while other strains may lack efficacy or even be detrimental.
- Genomic analysis provides valuable targets for rapid screening of A. muciniphila strains with UC-alleviating properties.
