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Metatranscriptomic analysis indicates prebiotic effect of isomalto/malto-polysaccharides on human colonic microbiota

Klaudyna Borewicz1,2, Bastian Hornung3,4,5, Fangjie Gu6,7

  • 1Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Scientific Reports
|August 14, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Isomalto/malto-polysaccharides (IMMPs) are novel soluble dietary fibers. This study reveals how IMMPs with specific linkages influence gut microbial gene expression and promote beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Isomalto/malto-polysaccharides (IMMPs) are soluble dietary fibers with demonstrated prebiotic potential.
  • Previous research indicated IMMPs increase gut bacteria, particularly lactobacilli, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.
  • The precise mechanism by which IMMPs exert their prebiotic effects remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of IMMPs with varying α-(1→6) glycosidic linkages on gut microbial function.
  • To elucidate the mode of action of IMMPs using metatranscriptomics.
  • To identify specific gut bacteria involved in IMMP degradation and their functional responses.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro fermentation of IMMPs with human fecal inoculum.
  • Metatranscriptomic analysis to assess microbial gene expression profiles.
  • Analysis of bacterial community dynamics and relative abundance.

Main Results:

  • Microbial community dynamics and gene expression varied based on IMMP type and α-(1→6) linkage content.
  • Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium were identified as primary IMMP degraders.
  • Increased gene expression in these bacteria correlated with higher α-(1→6) linkages, alongside enhanced SCFA synthesis pathways.

Conclusions:

  • IMMP fermentation alters gut microbial community structure and function, with specific linkages driving these changes.
  • The study provides insights into the targeted modulation of beneficial gut bacteria by IMMPs.
  • Findings support the rational design of prebiotics for specific health outcomes.

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