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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
11:12
Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Locations for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach
Published on: September 11, 2017
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DNA-utilization loci enable exogenous DNA metabolism in gut Bacteroidales
Deepti Sharan1,2, Agnieszka Nurek1,2, Joshua Stemczynski1,2
1Biological Sciences Division, Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, IL.
Summary
Gut bacteria, including Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, can break down external DNA. A newly identified six-gene system, ddbABCDEF, is key to this process, impacting nucleobase levels in mice.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- The human gut microbiome is crucial for nutrient metabolism.
- The processing of external DNA by gut bacteria is not well understood.
- Understanding DNA metabolism in the gut is vital for host-microbe interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fate of exogenous DNA in the gut microbiome.
- To identify the genetic basis for DNA metabolism in Bacteroidales species.
- To explore the implications of DNA metabolism on gut microbial ecology and host interactions.
Main Methods:
- Genetic and biochemical analyses were used to identify key genes and pathways.
- Exogenous DNA metabolism was studied in *Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron*.
- Gnotobiotic mouse models were employed to assess the in vivo impact of DNA metabolism pathways.
Main Results:
- Multiple Bacteroidales species efficiently metabolize exogenous DNA.
- *Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron* converts DNA into uracil and xanthine via the *ddbABCDEF* locus.
- The *ddbABCDEF* pathway significantly alters nucleobase pools in gnotobiotic mice and is evolutionarily linked to natural transformation systems.
Conclusions:
- The *ddbABCDEF* system represents a novel pathway for exogenous DNA metabolism in the gut microbiome.
- This pathway contributes to nucleobase production and influences the gut ecosystem.
- The findings provide insights into the evolution and functional diversity of DNA processing systems in gut bacteria.
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