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Updated: Jul 3, 2025
10:24
Assessing the Viability of a Synthetic Bacterial Consortium on the In Vitro Gut Host-microbe Interface
Published on: July 4, 2018
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Bifidobacterium adolescentis - a beneficial microbe.
1Human Health, Scientific Affairs, Future Lab., Chr. Hansen A/S, 10-12 Boege Alle, 2970 Hoersholm, Denmark.
Beneficial Microbes
|February 13, 2024
Summary
Bifidobacterium adolescentis, a key gut bacterium, thrives on plant glycans and prebiotics. Its reduced presence is linked to various diseases, suggesting a health-promoting role.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Gut Microbiome Research
- Bacterial Metabolism
Background:
- Bifidobacterium adolescentis is a dominant species in the adult human gut, with high cell densities in feces.
- This bacterium is evolutionarily adapted to ferment plant-derived glycans, possessing a broad range of sugar utilization capabilities.
- Its abundance is typically lower in children and the elderly compared to adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic capabilities and health associations of Bifidobacterium adolescentis.
- To understand the role of B. adolescentis in carbohydrate metabolism and its potential impact on gut health.
- To explore the link between B. adolescentis abundance and various human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of B. adolescentis's genetic repertoire for sugar transporters and enzymes.
- Assessment of its ability to metabolize diverse carbohydrate molecules, including prebiotics and resistant starch.
- Review of human observational studies correlating B. adolescentis abundance with health and disease states.
Main Results:
- B. adolescentis efficiently metabolizes various carbohydrates, including resistant starch, producing acetate and lactate.
- It plays a role in cross-feeding, supporting the growth of other beneficial bacteria.
- In vitro and rodent studies show strains possess beneficial properties like enhancing intestinal barrier function and immune regulation.
Conclusions:
- B. adolescentis is a significant degrader of resistant starch and utilizes a wide array of prebiotics.
- It produces beneficial metabolites like acetate, lactate, neurotransmitters (GABA), and vitamins.
- Reduced abundance of B. adolescentis is associated with numerous diseases, supporting its role as a health-associated species.
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