Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Murine Fecal Isolation and Microbiota Transplantation
Published on: May 26, 2023
Fecal microbiota transplantation from patients into animals to establish human microbiota-associated animal models: a
Jakub Ruszkowski1, Zofia Kachlik2, Michał Walaszek2
1Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. jakub.ruszkowski@gumed.edu.pl.
Background:
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from humans with specific medical conditions to animal models can demonstrate causality by inducing or exacerbating pathophenotypes, linking the gut microbiota to health outcomes.
Methods:
We conducted a scoping review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science through July 2024 to identify human noninfectious diseases studied using FMT in animal models, investigate FMT methodologies, and assess the feasibility of systematic reviews on the role of the microbiota in specific diseases.
Results:
From 605 reports of 489 studies, we found that inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, colorectal cancer, and depression were the most commonly studied, with cancer research focusing on immunotherapy non-responsiveness. In a random sample of studies, gastrointestinal outcomes were most frequently reported, with remarkably high rates (> 80%) of successful induction of disease-specific alterations for intestinal barrier function, gastrointestinal inflammation, circulating immune parameters, and fecal metabolites. Most studies used C57BL/6 mice and oral gavage administration, with recipients being either germ-free or antibiotic-pretreated. We created tables linking conditions with publications to facilitate future systematic reviews.
Conclusions:
Although human-to-animal FMT studies cover diverse conditions, methodological heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting hinder comparability. Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed. For several conditions, sufficient literature exists to assess the role of the gut microbiota in human health through systematic reviews.
Insights
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in animal models successfully induces disease-specific gut microbiota alterations. Standardized methods are needed for future systematic reviews on gut health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from humans to animal models establishes causality between gut microbiota and disease.
- This approach can induce or worsen specific pathophenotypes, linking gut microbial communities to health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of human noninfectious diseases studied via FMT in animal models.
- To investigate FMT methodologies and assess the feasibility of systematic reviews on microbiota's role in diseases.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to July 2024.
- Identified studies using FMT in animal models for human noninfectious diseases.
- Assessed FMT methodologies and reporting for systematic review feasibility.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 489 studies, finding inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, colorectal cancer, and depression most studied.
- Demonstrated high success rates (>80%) in inducing disease-specific alterations in intestinal barrier function, inflammation, immune parameters, and metabolites.
- Commonly used C57BL/6 mice, oral gavage, and germ-free or antibiotic-pretreated recipients.
Conclusions:
- Human-to-animal FMT studies are diverse but suffer from methodological heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting, hindering comparability.
- Standardized protocols and guidelines are essential for future research and systematic reviews.
- Sufficient literature exists for several conditions to conduct systematic reviews on the gut microbiota's role in human health.
