Intestinal epithelial cell-derived components regulate transcriptome of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are crucial for maintaining gut homeostasis by interacting with the gut microbiota.
• IEC-derived components have been shown to enhance the beneficial effects of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which IEC-derived components regulate LGG.

Main Methods:

• LGG was cultured with IEC-derived components.
• Differential gene expression was analyzed using RNA sequencing.
• Functional analysis was performed using Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) and Gene Ontology (GO).

Main Results:

• IEC-derived components significantly altered the transcriptomic profile of LGG, with 231 genes upregulated and 235 downregulated.
• Upregulated genes were primarily involved in nutrient acquisition (amino acids, metals, sugars), cell wall/membrane biosynthesis, cell division, and translation.
• Repressed genes were associated with various metabolic pathways, suggesting nutrient-responsive regulation.

Conclusions:

• IEC-derived components promote LGG growth by modulating gene expression related to nutrient uptake and biosynthesis.
• This study provides mechanistic insights into the molecular dialogue between host intestinal cells and beneficial gut bacteria.