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Published on: March 10, 2015
Excessive consumption of mucin by over-colonized Akkermansia muciniphila promotes intestinal barrier damage during
Shuang Qu1, Yinghui Zheng1, Yichun Huang1
1College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Gut microbiota disorders damage the intestinal barrier, which causes intestinal disease. Thus, we screened the microbiota with significant changes using an in situ malignant colorectal cancer (CRC) model. Among the colonies with increased abundance, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is known for its characteristic of breaking down mucin, which is an essential component of the intestinal barrier. The role of A. muciniphila remains controversial. To investigate the effect of excess A. muciniphila on the intestinal barrier, we established an over-colonized A. muciniphila mouse model by administering a live bacterial suspension after disrupting the original gut microbiome with antibiotics. The results showed that over-colonization of A. muciniphila decreased intestinal mucin content. The mRNA and protein expression levels of tight junction proteins also decreased significantly in the over-colonized A. muciniphila mouse model. Our findings reveal that excess colonization by A. muciniphila breaks the dynamic balance between mucin secretion and degradation, reduces the thickness of the intestinal mucus layer, and damages the intestinal barrier, which would eventually aggravate the development of colitis and CRC. These results will raise awareness about the safety of A. muciniphila serving as a probiotic.
Insights
Excess Akkermansia muciniphila disrupts the gut barrier by degrading mucin, worsening colitis and colorectal cancer (CRC). This highlights potential risks of A. muciniphila overgrowth as a probiotic.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to intestinal barrier dysfunction and disease.
- Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), known for mucin degradation, has a controversial role in intestinal health.
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with altered gut microbial composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of A. muciniphila over-colonization on the intestinal barrier.
- To determine if excess A. muciniphila exacerbates conditions like colitis and CRC.
Main Methods:
- Developed a mouse model with antibiotic-induced gut microbiome disruption.
- Administered live A. muciniphila suspension to induce over-colonization.
- Assessed intestinal mucin content, mucus layer thickness, and tight junction protein expression.
Main Results:
- Over-colonization with A. muciniphila significantly decreased intestinal mucin content.
- Reduced expression of tight junction proteins (mRNA and protein levels) was observed.
- Intestinal mucus layer thickness was diminished, indicating barrier damage.
Conclusions:
- Excess A. muciniphila disrupts the balance between mucin secretion and degradation.
- A. muciniphila overgrowth compromises intestinal barrier integrity.
- Findings suggest potential risks of A. muciniphila over-colonization in exacerbating colitis and CRC, questioning its safety as a probiotic.
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