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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
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Metabolic model predictions enable targeted microbiome manipulation through precision prebiotics.
Georgios Marinos1, Inga K Hamerich2, Reena Debray3
1Research Group Medical Systems Biology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel University, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Microbiology Spectrum
|January 17, 2024
Summary
Researchers identified precision prebiotics to selectively boost beneficial gut bacteria. Metabolic modeling predicted compounds like L-serine, which were experimentally validated to increase target microbe abundance in vitro and in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Metabolic engineering
- Host-microbe interactions
Background:
- Host-microbe interactions are crucial for health, but targeted modulation remains challenging.
- Existing approaches lack specificity for manipulating microbiome composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify precision prebiotics that selectively increase the abundance of specific beneficial microbiome species.
- To develop a metabolic modeling approach for designing precision prebiotics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized constraint-based metabolic modeling to predict precision prebiotics.
- Designed experiments using a two-member Caenorhabditis elegans microbiome community.
- Validated predicted precision prebiotics in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- Metabolic modeling identified potential precision prebiotics.
- Four compounds (L-serine, L-threonine, D-mannitol, γ-aminobutyric acid) selectively increased target species abundance.
- L-serine demonstrated efficacy in vivo, increasing target microbe levels in the host.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic modeling is an effective tool for designing precision prebiotics.
- Precision prebiotics can selectively modulate microbiome composition.
- This approach is a cornerstone for developing targeted microbiome-based therapies.
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