Identification of Bacteroides acidifaciens as an Arabinoxylan-Responsive Gut Bacterium Using D-Amino Acid Metabolic...

Arabinoxylan, a representative dietary fiber, plays a pivotal role in regulating nutrient metabolism through its interaction with gut microbiota. However, the specific microbial responders to arabinoxylan intervention are still not systematically evaluated. In the present study, a methodology for identifying prebiotic-responsive bacteria was employed. The findings demonstrated that arabinoxylan supplementation significantly elevated fecal short-chain fatty acid levels. Notably, arabinoxylan intervention induced substantial remodeling of gut microbiota composition. Furthermore, Bacteroides acidifaciens was proven to be the key bacterium involved in the metabolism of arabinoxylan through D-amino acid metabolic probe technology and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Subsequent in vitro experiments confirmed that B. acidifaciens can stimulate arabinoxylan metabolism and produce SCFAs. In vivo coadministration of B. acidifaciens and arabinoxylan further enhanced SCFA production and improved intestinal barrier function. These findings advance our understanding of arabinoxylan-microbiota interactions and may guide the development of functional foods with enhanced health benefits.