A defined bacterial consortium and spatial transcriptomics highlight the complex interaction between Campylobacter
Siddhi Chitre1, Raad Z Gharaibeh1,2, Christian Jobin1,3,4
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Gut Microbes
|December 18, 2025
Summary
A defined bacterial consortium and Campylobacter jejuni infection in mice induced intestinal inflammation. Spatial transcriptomics revealed region-specific immune responses and epithelial changes, highlighting host-microbe interactions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The intestinal microbiota significantly impacts host susceptibility to Campylobacter jejuni infections.
- The precise interactions between specific gut bacteria and C. jejuni-induced host responses remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the host response to C. jejuni infection using a defined bacterial consortium.
- To delineate the roles of specific gut bacteria in modulating C. jejuni-mediated inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Germ-free Il10-/- mice were colonized with a defined bacterial consortium (C13) or C13 plus C. jejuni.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyzed microbial composition.
- Spatial transcriptomics (FISH and RNAscope) mapped gene expression within the colon.
Main Results:
- C. jejuni colonization in mice with the C13 consortium induced significant intestinal inflammation and gene expression.
- Increased abundance of Escherichia and Paraclostridium was observed in C. jejuni-infected mice.
- Spatial transcriptomics revealed localized immune responses and epithelial remodeling, with tissue-associated C. jejuni differentially modulating host gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Defined microbial consortia combined with spatial transcriptomics can dissect complex host-pathogen-microbiota interactions.
- This approach offers insights into the mechanisms underlying enteric infections and host immune responses.
Keywords:
Spatial transcriptomicsbacterial consortiumcytolethal distending toxininflammationmicrobiomevirulenceMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
1.5K
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.5K
01:29Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria
543
The DNA replication, transcription, and translation processes are intricately coupled in bacteria, allowing efficient gene expression and rapid protein synthesis. While this physical and functional coordination is advantageous, it introduces challenges that bacteria overcome through specific regulatory mechanisms.Coupling of Replication, Transcription, and TranslationThe coupling of replication, transcription, and translation is a hallmark of bacterial gene expression. As the replisome unwinds...
543