Microbiome-dependent functional responses to structurally distinct oligosaccharides revealed by metaproteomics

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Dietary oligosaccharides act as prebiotics, influencing gut microbial activity.
• Individual microbiome composition affects responses to specific oligosaccharide structures.
• Personalized functional responses of gut microbial communities to distinct oligosaccharides are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how structurally diverse oligosaccharides impact gut microbiota function.
• To explore the extent of individualized metabolic and taxonomic responses to prebiotics.
• To establish a framework for identifying tailored prebiotic interventions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a standardized ex vivo microbiome culture system (RapidAIM).
• Employed metaproteomics to analyze functional changes in the gut microbiota.
• Tested six structurally diverse oligosaccharides on human gut microbiomes.

Main Results:

• Human gut microbiomes showed commonalities in oligosaccharide utilization, favoring dietary fibers over mucin.
• Fine-scale metabolic and taxonomic responses to oligosaccharides were highly individualized across participants.
• The study identified distinct functional outcomes based on microbiome profiles and oligosaccharide structures.

Conclusions:

• Personalized microbiome profiles are crucial for predicting prebiotic intervention outcomes.
• Metaproteomics offers a method for selecting optimal prebiotics for individuals.
• Understanding individualized responses can advance precision nutrition strategies.