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Related Concept Videos

Lipid Catabolism01:25

Lipid Catabolism

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Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
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Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology01:17

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Gastritis is marked by disruption of the mucosal barrier that usually protects the stomach tissue from digestive juices and manifests in acute and chronic forms.
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Amino Acid Catabolism01:18

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Microorganisms rely on proteins as an essential carbon and energy source, particularly in environments with limited polysaccharides or lipids. However, proteins are too large to cross the plasma membrane unaided, necessitating enzymatic degradation. Microbes secrete extracellular proteases and peptidases that hydrolyze proteins into peptides, which can then be transported across the membrane. Once inside the cell, intracellular proteases degrade these peptides into free amino acids, which...
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Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

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Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
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Overview of Metabolism01:40

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Living cells constantly carry out various chemical reactions which are necessary for their proper functioning. These reactions are interlinked to one another via multiple pathways. The collection of these chemical reactions is known as metabolism.
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Related Experiment Video

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Cefoperazone-treated Mouse Model of Clinically-relevant Clostridium difficile Strain R20291
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Food for thought-The link between Clostridioides difficile metabolism and pathogenesis.

Andrew Marshall1, John W McGrath1, Robert Graham1

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Plos Pathogens
|January 5, 2023
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Summary

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is a major health threat. This review explores C. difficile metabolic pathways, revealing how it thrives in the gut by utilizing various nutrients and producing toxins, contributing to disease.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gut Microbiome Research
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is an opportunistic pathogen causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality.
  • Antibiotic use disrupts the gut microbiota, creating a dysbiotic environment that facilitates C. difficile colonization and pathogenesis.
  • Colonization resistance is influenced by secondary bile acids and nutrient competition, which normally inhibit C. difficile growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore and describe the diverse metabolic pathways employed by C. difficile.
  • To elucidate how these metabolic strategies contribute to C. difficile survival and pathogenesis in the host gut.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on C. difficile metabolism.
  • Analysis of identified carbon and energy sources utilized by C. difficile.
  • Examination of host-pathogen interactions related to nutrient availability and metabolic adaptation.

Main Results:

  • C. difficile metabolizes a wide range of substrates including carbon dioxide, amino acids (proline, hydroxyproline, ornithine), ethanolamine, and carbohydrates (trehalose, cellobiose, sorbitol).
  • Host-induced zinc sequestration may signal an inflamed gut, enabling C. difficile to access abundant nutrients.
  • Metabolic by-products like p-cresol inhibit commensal bacteria, promoting dysbiosis and C. difficile persistence.

Conclusions:

  • C. difficile possesses a versatile metabolic capability, allowing it to adapt and thrive in the complex gut environment.
  • Understanding these metabolic pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies against C. difficile infection (CDI).
  • Metabolic adaptation and the production of inhibitory by-products are key factors in C. difficile pathogenesis and persistence.