Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
Published on: August 30, 2019
Potential of Establishing the Corresponding Human Microbial Community in Pseudo Germ-Free Mice through Fecal Microbe
Wenyan Xian, Shiying Yang1, Yu Deng1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Abstract:
Three urolithin metabotypes (UMs) have been defined in the population according to final urolithins converted by gut microbiota. Currently, it is difficult to establish the cause-and-effect relationship between urolithins and microbiota in human studies. Studies on the health effects of ellagic acid (EA) in animal models rarely consider the differences in the urolithin production. Therefore, the objective of this study is to establish human microbiota-associated (HMA) mice, imitating the microbiota composition of the three UMs. Antibiotic-induced pseudo germ-free mice were gavaged with fecal bacteria of the three UM donors for four weeks. The results showed that the ability to produce corresponding urolithins was successfully transferred from the donor of the three UMs to HMA mice. The three UM HMA mice adopted a humanized microbiota profile similar to their corresponding donor. The family Eggerthellaceae and genera Eggerthella and Gordonibacter were successfully transferred and colonized from UM-A/B donors to HMA mice. Overall, the three UM HMA mouse models were successfully established, which provide a basis for exploring the health effects of EA.
Insights
This study successfully created human microbiota-associated (HMA) mice representing three urolithin metabotypes (UMs). These models mimic human gut bacteria, enabling future research on ellagic acid
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gut Microbiome Research
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Three urolithin metabotypes (UMs) are defined by gut microbiota's conversion of ellagic acid (EA) into urolithins.
- Establishing direct cause-and-effect relationships between urolithins and microbiota in humans is challenging.
- Existing animal models often overlook individual differences in urolithin production from EA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish human microbiota-associated (HMA) mouse models that replicate the three distinct UMs.
- To create a foundation for investigating the health effects of EA in relation to specific urolithin production profiles.
Main Methods:
- Pseudo germ-free mice were treated with antibiotics and then gavaged with fecal bacteria from three UM donor groups.
- Mice were colonized with gut microbiota mimicking the composition of UM-A, UM-B, and UM-C donors.
- Microbiota composition and urolithin production capabilities were analyzed after four weeks of colonization.
Main Results:
- Successful transfer of urolithin production ability from UM donors to HMA mice was achieved.
- HMA mice exhibited humanized gut microbiota profiles closely resembling their respective UM donors.
- Specific bacterial taxa, including Eggerthellaceae, *Eggerthella*, and *Gordonibacter*, were successfully colonized from UM-A/B donors.
Conclusions:
- The developed UM-specific HMA mouse models accurately represent human urolithin metabotypes.
- These models provide a robust platform for future research into the health impacts of ellagic acid.
- The study validates the transferability of specific gut microbial compositions and functions related to urolithin metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Introduction to the Human Microbiota
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract