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Published on: July 9, 2021
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Native Microbiota in Intact Colon
Yahui Du1,2, Yingjun Zhou3, Huibin Lin2
1The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
This study introduces a novel 3D imaging technique to visualize gut bacteria spatial distribution in intact colon tissue. The method reveals bacterial penetration into the mucus layer, advancing our understanding of gut microbiota in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Understanding gut bacteria spatial distribution is crucial for deciphering host-microbe interactions.
- Imaging complex gut microbiota in native tissues poses significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-resolution 3D imaging strategy for visualizing gut bacteria in situ.
- To investigate the spatial distribution of gut microbiota within intact intestinal tissues.
Main Methods:
- A novel three-dimensional (3D) imaging strategy combining a fluorescent tetrapeptide (TetraAA-AcLys) metabolic labeling probe.
- A tissue clearing protocol to enable visualization within intact colon samples.
- 3D quantitative analysis of labeled bacteria in an enteritis model.
Main Results:
- High-resolution visualization of microbiota within intact colon, free from host tissue interference.
- Clear observation of the 3D distribution of gut bacteria across various sections.
- Demonstrated bacterial penetration into the mucus layer in a colon enteritis model.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D imaging method provides valuable spatial insights into gut microbiota biogeography.
- Highlights the technique's potential for studying host-microbe dynamics in health and disease.
- Facilitates a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between gut microbial communities and their host.
