Psychobiotics Regulate Purine Metabolism to Influence Host Emotional Behavior

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Metabolic pathways

Background:

• Purine metabolism is crucial for biological processes, impacting brain function and emotional regulation.
• Gut microbiota interactions offer novel avenues for understanding and influencing emotional well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 in modulating purine metabolism.
• To explore the potential of gene-edited probiotics in influencing brain function and emotional responses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized gene-edited probiotics and pseudo-germ-free mice models.
• Performed transcriptomic analysis to identify key genes in purine metabolism (nrdB).
• Compared wild-type and nrdB mutant Bifidobacterium breve strains in vivo.

Main Results:

• Identified nrdB as a pivotal gene in Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 purine metabolism.
• Demonstrated CCFM1025's ability to reduce serum and brain xanthine/xanthosine levels in stressed mice.
• Observed downregulation of the adenosine receptor gene (Adora2b) and reduced microglial activation.

Conclusions:

• Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 can modulate purine metabolites and adenosine receptors.
• Psychobiotics show potential in regulating emotional responses through gut-brain axis pathways.
• This study highlights novel mechanisms linking gut microbiota, purine metabolism, and emotional well-being.