Human flora-associated(HFA)mice are often used to simulate the structure of human intestinal microbiota and to study the causal relationships between diseases and gut microbiota.However,several factors affect the colo...Human flora-associated(HFA)mice are often used to simulate the structure of human intestinal microbiota and to study the causal relationships between diseases and gut microbiota.However,several factors affect the colonization efficiency of human microbiota in germ-free(GF)mice,and the differential effects of gavage and lower gut transplantation on colonization are still unclear.In this study,we explored the reproducibility of the recipient-to-donor gut microbiota community structure and function under different transplantation routes and the differences in microbial colonization between recipients via gavage transplantation(GT_mice group)and lower gut transplantation(LGT_mice group).High-throughput sequencing of the metagenome was performed on the feces of each subject,and the composition of microbiome of each group was analyzed.As expected,the introduction of human fecal microbiota into GF mice via lower gut transplantation had a high transfer efficiency,which was evident from the similar species community structure to that of the donor(Adonis R2=0.713960 for LGT_mice group–donor group;Adonis R2=0.774095 for GT_mice group–donor group)and a higher bacterial colonization rate.The findings provide unique insights into improving the accuracy of constructing humanized microbiota transplantation models,aiding our understanding of the relationships between the human gut microbiota and disease.展开更多
Background:The contribution of gut microbiota to the early stage of type 2 diabetes(T2D)remains incompletely understood.This study established a germ-free mouse model colonized with gut microbiota from donors with T2D...Background:The contribution of gut microbiota to the early stage of type 2 diabetes(T2D)remains incompletely understood.This study established a germ-free mouse model colonized with gut microbiota from donors with T2D to determine whether diabetes-associated microbiota could induce early diabetes-like phenotypes.Methods:Human fecal samples were collected from 18 healthy donors and 14 donors with T2D for microbiota profiling.Based on these features,samples from 12 healthy donors and 3 donors with T2D were selected,pooled within each group,and transplanted into germ-free mice,generating a healthy microbiota recipient group(HM,n=14)and a diabetes-associated microbiota recipient group(DM,n=13).Glucose homeostasis was assessed over 10 weeks using fasting blood glucose and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests.Gut microbial succession was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.Fecal and plasma metabolomics were performed to identify metabolic and their associations with microbial changes.Results:DM mice developed an early diabetes-like phenotype characterized by progressive impairment of glucose tolerance,reduced insulin levels,and mild renal alterations,without sustained overt fasting hyperglycemia.Microbial divergence emerged before stable metabolic dysfunction and was accompanied by persistent dysbiosis in DM mice.Integrated metabolomic analysis identified coordinated alterations in fecal and plasma metabolites,with cholic acid and L-Dopa decreased in both compartments.L-Dopa showed consistent associations with altered genera,particularly Ruminococcus and Sellimonas.Conclusions:Transplanting diabetes-associated human gut microbiota effectively induced early glucose dysregulation in germ-free recipient mice.This model provides a framework for studying microbiota-associated events during early T2D-related metabolic deterioration.展开更多
Germ-free mice exhibit profound immunological immaturity.Despite recent studies emphasizing the role of specific bacterium-derived metabolites in immune cell development and differentiation,the mechanisms linking micr...Germ-free mice exhibit profound immunological immaturity.Despite recent studies emphasizing the role of specific bacterium-derived metabolites in immune cell development and differentiation,the mechanisms linking microbiota absence to systemic immune deficits remain incompletely defined.Here,droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing of bone marrow and peripheral blood from both germ-free and specific pathogen-free mice was performed,identifying 25 transcriptionally distinct cell types.Neutrophil apoptosis was elevated in germ-free mice,potentially due to the absence of niacin dehydrogenase,a metabolite primarily produced by Pseudomonas.In addition,germ-free mice exhibited increased excretion of 5’-methylthioadenosine,enhanced ERK activation driven by reactive oxygen species,and disruption of bone marrow stromal antigen 2 signaling.Monocytes and CD8+T cells from germ-free mice showed diminished responses to interferon-β and interferon-γ,consistent with heightened viral susceptibility.These findings establish a microbiota-dependent regulatory pathway linking immunodeficiency to microbial absence in germ-free mice,confirmed through complementary validation techniques.展开更多
Berberis amurensis(Berberidaceae)is a traditional Chinese medicine,which is often used to treat hypertension,inflammation,dysentery and enteritis.It contains alkaloids,mainly including berberine,berbamine,magnoflorine...Berberis amurensis(Berberidaceae)is a traditional Chinese medicine,which is often used to treat hypertension,inflammation,dysentery and enteritis.It contains alkaloids,mainly including berberine,berbamine,magnoflorine,jatrorrhizine and palmatine.Berberis amurensis extracts(BAEs)is often orally taken.Oral herbs might be metabolized by intestinal bacteria in the small intestine.However,the interaction between the herb and the gut microbiota is still unknown.In the current study,UPLC/Q-TOFMS/MS combined with Metabolitepilot and Peakview software was used to identify the metabolites of BAEs in anti-biotic cocktail induced pseudo germ-free rats and normal rats.As a result,a total of 46 metabolites in normal rats were detected and its main metabolic pathways include demethylation,dehydrogenation,methylation,hydroxylation,sulfation and glucuronidation.Only 29 metabolites existed in pseudo germ-free rats.Dehydrogenated metabolites(M29,M30,M34 and M36),methylated metabolites(M33,M41 and M46)and other metabolites were not detected in pseudo germ-free rats.The result implied that the intestinal bacteria have an influence on the metabolism of BAEs.Furthermore,this investigation might contribute to the understanding of the metabolism of BAEs,and further promote its clinical application.展开更多
Carrageenans(CGNs)are widely used in foods and pharmaceuticals although their safety remains controversial.To investigate the effects of CGNs and CGN-degrading bacteria in the human colon,we screened for CGN degradati...Carrageenans(CGNs)are widely used in foods and pharmaceuticals although their safety remains controversial.To investigate the effects of CGNs and CGN-degrading bacteria in the human colon,we screened for CGN degradation by human fecal microbiota,and for inflammatory response to CGNs and/or CGN-degrading bacteria in germ free mice.Thin-layer chromatography indicated that high molecular weight(MW)CGNs(!100 kDa)remained undegraded in the presence of human fecal microbiota,whereas low MW CGNs,i.e.,k-carrageenan oligosaccharides(KCO,~4.5 kDa)were degraded when exposed to seven of eight human fecal samples,although sulfate groups were not removed during degradation.Bacteroides xylanisolvens and Escherichia coli isolates from fecal samples apparently degraded KCO synergistically,with B.xylanisolvens serving as the primary degrader.Combined treatment of KCO with KCO-degrading bacteria led to greater pro-inflammatory effects in the colon and rectum of germ-free mice than either KCO or bacteria alone.Similarly,p-p38-,CD3-,and CD79a-positive immune cells were more abundant in combined treatment group mice than in either single treatment group.Our study shows that KCO-degrading bacteria and the low MW products of KCO can promote proinflammatory effects in mice,and represent two key markers for evaluating CGN safety in foods or medicines.展开更多
Recent study shows that germ-free and antibiotic-treated animals are highly susceptible to gut epithelial injury. This paper addresses that impaired inactivation of digestive proteases may be the key factor for the in...Recent study shows that germ-free and antibiotic-treated animals are highly susceptible to gut epithelial injury. This paper addresses that impaired inactivation of digestive proteases may be the key factor for the increased susceptibility.展开更多
Increasing numbers of clinical trials and animal experiments have shown that probiotic bacteria are promising tools for allergy prevention. Here, we analyzed the immunomodulatory properties of three selected lactobaci...Increasing numbers of clinical trials and animal experiments have shown that probiotic bacteria are promising tools for allergy prevention. Here, we analyzed the immunomodulatory properties of three selected lactobacillus strains and the impact of their mixture on allergic sensitization to Bet v I using a gnotobiotic mouse model. We showed that Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus LOCK0900, L. rhamnosus LOCK0908 and L. casei LOCK0919 are recognized via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) receptors and stimulate bone marrow-derived dendritic cells to produce cytokines in species- and strain-dependent manners. Colonization of germ-free (GF) mice with a mixture of all three strains (Lmix) improved the intestinal barrier by strengthening the apical junctional complexes of enterocytes and restoring the structures of microfilaments extending into the terminal web. Mice colonized with Lmix and sensitized to the Bet v I allergen showed significantly lower levels of allergen-specific IgE, IgG 1 and IgG2a and an elevated total IgA level in the sera and intestinal lavages as well as an increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β level compared with the sensitized GF mice. Splenocytes and mesenteric lymph node cells from the Lmix-colonized mice showed the significant upregulation of TGF-β after in vitro stimulation with Bet v 1. Our results show that Lmix colonization improved the gut epithelial barrier and reduced allergic sensitization to Bet v 1. Furthermore, these findings were accompanied by the increased production of circulating and secretory IgA and the regulatory cytokine TGF-β. Thus, this mixture of three lactobacillus strains shows potential for use in the prevention of increased gut permeability and the onset of allergies in humans,展开更多
This study was conducted to investigate host-microbiota interactions and explore the effects of maternal gut microbiota transplantation on the growth and intestinal functions of newborns in a germ-free(GF)pig model.Tw...This study was conducted to investigate host-microbiota interactions and explore the effects of maternal gut microbiota transplantation on the growth and intestinal functions of newborns in a germ-free(GF)pig model.Twelve hysterectomy-derived GF Bama piglets were reared in 6 sterile isolators.Among them,6 were considered as the GF group,and the other 6 were orally inoculated with healthy sow fecal suspension as fecal microbiota transplanted(FMT)group.Another 6 piglets from natural birth were regarded as the conventional(CV)group.The GF and FMT groups were hand-fed with Co60-y-irradiated sterile milk powder,while the CV group was reared by lactating Bama sows.All groups were fed for 21 days.Then,all piglets and then were switched to sterile feed for another 21 days.Results showed that the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the GF group decreased(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the serum urea nitrogen concentration and digesta pH values in the GF group increased compared with those in the FMT and CV groups(P<0.05).Compared with the CV group,the GF group demonstrated upregulation in the mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier function-related genes in the small intestine(P<0.05).In addition,the mRNA abundances of intestinal development and absorption-related genes in the small intestine and colon were higher in the GF group than in the CV and FMT groups(P<0.05).The FMT group exhibited greater growth performance,lipase activity,and nutrient digestibility(P<0.05),higher mRNA expression levels of intestinal development and barrier-related genes in the small intestine(P<0.05),and lower mRNA abundances of pro-inflammatory factor in the colon and jejunum(P<0.05)than the CV group.In conclusion,the absence of gut microbes impaired the growth and nutrient digestibility,and healthy sow gut microbiota transplantation increased the growth and nutrient digestibility and improved the intestinal development and barrier function of newborn piglets,indicating the importance of intestinal microbes for intestinal development and functions.展开更多
Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)of human fecal samples into germ-free(GF)mice is useful for establishing causal relationships between the gut microbiota and human phenotypes.However,due to the intrinsic differenc...Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)of human fecal samples into germ-free(GF)mice is useful for establishing causal relationships between the gut microbiota and human phenotypes.However,due to the intrinsic differences between human and mouse intestines and the different diets of the two organisms,it may not be possible to replicate human phenotypes in mice through FMT;similarly,treatments that are effective in mouse models may not be effective in humans.In this study,we aimed to identify human gut microbes that undergo significant and consistent changes(i.e.,in relative abundances)after transplantation into GF mice in multiple experimental settings.We collected 16S rDNA-seq data from four published studies and analyzed the gut microbiota profiles from 1713 human–mouse pairs.Strikingly,on average,we found that only 47%of the human gut microbes could be re-established in mice at the species level,among which more than 1/3 underwent significant changes(referred to as“variable taxa”).Most of the human gut microbes that underwent significant changes were consistent across multiple human–mouse pairs and experimental settings.Consequently,about 1/3 of human samples changed their enterotypes,i.e.,significant changes in their leading species after FMT.Mice fed with a controlled diet showed a lower enterotype change rate(23.5%)than those fed with a noncontrolled diet(49.0%),suggesting a possible solution for rescue.Most of the variable taxa have been reported to be implicated in human diseases,with some recognized as the causative species.Our results highlight the challenges of using a mouse model to replicate human gut microbiota-associated phenotypes,provide useful information for researchers using mice in gut microbiota studies,and call for additional validations after FMT.An online database named FMT-DB is publicly available at http://gffzz31fc3efd07a444b1hpuo5v9v9wu0b6kvn.ffgz.tsg.suse.edu.cn/#/.展开更多
Intestinal microbes are closely associated with host health,depending on metabolic crosstalk between the microbiota and host.Tryptophan metabolism is one of the best examples of metabolic crosstalk between intestinal ...Intestinal microbes are closely associated with host health,depending on metabolic crosstalk between the microbiota and host.Tryptophan metabolism is one of the best examples of metabolic crosstalk between intestinal microbiota and host;however,our understanding about the influence of intestinal microbiota on host tryptophan metabolism is limited.Thus,we established germ-free(GF)pig models to systemically explore the influence of intestinal microbiota on tryptophan metabolism.Five GF pigs were kept in GF conditions throughout the experiment(GF group).Six GF pigs were transplanted with fecal microbiota from donor sows to act as control pigs.Compared with control pigs,the GF pigs had remarkable alterations in tryptophan metabolism.The differential metabolites(P<0.05)were mainly found in the liver,circulation system and large intestine.Notably,the alteration of metabolites in tryptophan metabolism varied among organs,especially for the serotonin pathway.In GF pigs,tryptophan and kynurenine in the large intestine and 5-hydroxytryptophan in most organs were increased(P<0.05),while metabolites in the indole pathway in most organs were decreased(P<0.05).Collectively,our study reveals changes in tryptophan metabolism in GF pigs,highlighting the critical role of gut microbes in shaping host tryptophan metabolism.展开更多
Intestinal infectious diseases refer to the inflammatory changes in the intestinal tract caused by pathogens(including bacteria,viruses,fungi,protozoa,or parasites)or their toxic products.A large number of microorgani...Intestinal infectious diseases refer to the inflammatory changes in the intestinal tract caused by pathogens(including bacteria,viruses,fungi,protozoa,or parasites)or their toxic products.A large number of microorganisms colonize the intestinal tract of healthy people,which together with the intestinal epithelium constitute the biological barrier of the intestinal tract to resist infectious diseases.As an“invisible organ,”the intestinal flora is closely related to human nutrition metabolism and intestinal infections.A variety of intestinal flora participates in the nutritional metabolism of amino acids,and the small molecular substances produced by the amino acid metabolism through the intestinal flora can enhance intestinal immunity and resist bacterial infections.In turn,amino acids can also regulate the composition of the intestinal flora,maintain the steady-state of the intestinal flora,protect the intestinal barrier,and inhibit colonization by pathogenic bacteria.As a model animal with a clear microbial background,germ-free(GF)animals can clarify the mechanisms of interactions between intestinal microbes and amino acid metabolism in intestinal infections by combining genetic engineering technology and multi-omics studies.This article reviews related researches on the involvement of intestinal microbes in host amino acid metabolism and resistance to intestinal infections and discusses the advantages of GF animal models for studying the underlying mechanisms.The GF animal model is helpful to further study the intervention effects of amino acid metabolism of targeted intestinal flora on intestinal infections.展开更多
Germ-free animals are indispensable models for human and animal functional microbiome research Germ-free animals are animals that typically have no microorganisms living in or on them. These animals have become irrepl...Germ-free animals are indispensable models for human and animal functional microbiome research Germ-free animals are animals that typically have no microorganisms living in or on them. These animals have become irreplaceable research tools for studying the relationships among single bacteria strains, multiple bacteria strains and hosts.展开更多
Objective:Dietary nitrate has been increasingly recognized as a potential carcinogen associated with gastritis.In this study the mechanistic role of a high-nitrate diet(NaD)in driving gastritis was elucidated with a f...Objective:Dietary nitrate has been increasingly recognized as a potential carcinogen associated with gastritis.In this study the mechanistic role of a high-nitrate diet(NaD)in driving gastritis was elucidated with a focus on modulation of the gastric microbiota composition and metabolomic profiles.Methods:Animals were randomly assigned to two dietary intervention groups using a C57BL/6 mouse model:a NaD containing 7.5%nitrate;or a standard normal diet(ND).Gastric microbiota composition was characterized based on full-length 16S rRNA sequencing and gastric metabolite profiles were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC/MS).Finally,the roles of the microbiome and metabolites in gastritis development were validated using the human gastric epithelial cell line(GES-1),as well as conventional and germ-free mouse models.Results:NaD induced gastritis in conventional mice compared to ND-fed mice.In addition,NaD incited the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokine genes(IL-17a,Ccl20,Cxcl5,IL-6,and Ccl2).A significant shift in the composition of the gastric microbiota occurred with an increase in pathogenic bacteria(Enterococcus gallinarum,Prevotella timonensis,and Mycobacterium gordona)and a decrease in probiotics(Roseburia hominis,Clostriduim scindens,and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii).Furthermore,NaD induced alterations in the metabolic profile,marked by an elevated level of 5-hydroxyindoleacetate(5-HIAA),a key downstream metabolite of the tryptophan metabolic pathway.Notably,5-HIAA also upregulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the human gastric epithelial GES-1 cell line.In addition,both E.gallinarum colonization and 5-HIAA exposure significantly increased inflammatory responses in conventional and germ-free mouse models.Conclusions:NaD drives gastritis in mice by inducing gastric microbial dysbiosis and metabolomic dysregulation with elevated 5-HIAA.展开更多
目的筛选铜死亡相关长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)并构建预后模型,为睾丸生殖细胞肿瘤(TGCT)患者提供精准预后评估工具。方法整合TCGA转录组数据及临床信息,通过共表达分析筛选与铜死亡基因显著相关的lncRNA(|R|>0.5,P<0.05)。在训练集...目的筛选铜死亡相关长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)并构建预后模型,为睾丸生殖细胞肿瘤(TGCT)患者提供精准预后评估工具。方法整合TCGA转录组数据及临床信息,通过共表达分析筛选与铜死亡基因显著相关的lncRNA(|R|>0.5,P<0.05)。在训练集中采用LASSO回归构建风险评分模型,并在测试集中验证。通过时间依赖性受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线、Kaplan-Meier生存分析、单因素及多因素Cox回归评估模型效能。结果共筛选出11个与铜死亡基因显著相关的lncRNA,LASSO回归进一步确定3个关键lncRNA(AC002456.2、AC004069.2、AC005498.3)构建风险评分模型。在测试集中,模型预测1、2、3年无复发生存期(RFS)的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.691、0.599和0.749。高风险组患者RFS显著短于低风险组(P<0.05),训练集和测试集的中位RFS时间分别为328 d vs 810 d和430 d vs 816 d。多因素Cox回归显示,风险评分分组(P=0.01)和S分期是RFS的独立预后因素。风险评分与T分期、S分期显著相关(P<0.05)。结论本研究成功构建了一个基于3个铜死亡相关lncRNA的预后模型。该模型能有效预测TGCT患者的RFS,为个体化预后评估提供了新工具,并为探索铜死亡相关lncRNA的调控机制提供参考。展开更多
Antibiotic exposure has adverse effects on intestinal immunity,metabolism,and gut microbiota(GM)composition,particularly by disturbing GM composition without short-term recovery.Capsaicin,a dietary irritant,is general...Antibiotic exposure has adverse effects on intestinal immunity,metabolism,and gut microbiota(GM)composition,particularly by disturbing GM composition without short-term recovery.Capsaicin,a dietary irritant,is generally avoided during antibiotic therapy,but its mechanism remains unclear.To explore the effects of capsaicin on intestinal health during antibiotic administration,we conducted experiments in specifi c pathogen free(SPF)and germ-free(GF)mice and correlation analyses using 16S rRNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics to explore the protective role of the intestinal biological barrier.The results showed that additional supplementation of capsaicin under antibiotic exposure did not cause serious damage to the intestine,but had potential adverse effects on the structure,function,and metabolites of GM,including increasing the abundance of opportunistic pathogens(Mucispirillum and Aeromonas),enriching metabolic pathways(arachidonic acid metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis),and metabolites associated with colon infl ammation(N-acetylhistamine).In the absence of GM barrier,the benefi cial function of capsaicin on the intestine was weakened and even induced adverse effects,suggesting that GM may have a certain mediating mechanism in the physiological function of capsaicin.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFA0805904).
摘要Human flora-associated(HFA)mice are often used to simulate the structure of human intestinal microbiota and to study the causal relationships between diseases and gut microbiota.However,several factors affect the colonization efficiency of human microbiota in germ-free(GF)mice,and the differential effects of gavage and lower gut transplantation on colonization are still unclear.In this study,we explored the reproducibility of the recipient-to-donor gut microbiota community structure and function under different transplantation routes and the differences in microbial colonization between recipients via gavage transplantation(GT_mice group)and lower gut transplantation(LGT_mice group).High-throughput sequencing of the metagenome was performed on the feces of each subject,and the composition of microbiome of each group was analyzed.As expected,the introduction of human fecal microbiota into GF mice via lower gut transplantation had a high transfer efficiency,which was evident from the similar species community structure to that of the donor(Adonis R2=0.713960 for LGT_mice group–donor group;Adonis R2=0.774095 for GT_mice group–donor group)and a higher bacterial colonization rate.The findings provide unique insights into improving the accuracy of constructing humanized microbiota transplantation models,aiding our understanding of the relationships between the human gut microbiota and disease.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China,Grant/Award Number:2022YFF0710600Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences,Grant/Award Number:2021-1-I2M-035+1 种基金Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,Grant/Award Number:2023-PT180-01National High-level Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talents Program for Young Backbone Talents(SpringBuds Project),Grant/Award Number:20250333。
摘要Background:The contribution of gut microbiota to the early stage of type 2 diabetes(T2D)remains incompletely understood.This study established a germ-free mouse model colonized with gut microbiota from donors with T2D to determine whether diabetes-associated microbiota could induce early diabetes-like phenotypes.Methods:Human fecal samples were collected from 18 healthy donors and 14 donors with T2D for microbiota profiling.Based on these features,samples from 12 healthy donors and 3 donors with T2D were selected,pooled within each group,and transplanted into germ-free mice,generating a healthy microbiota recipient group(HM,n=14)and a diabetes-associated microbiota recipient group(DM,n=13).Glucose homeostasis was assessed over 10 weeks using fasting blood glucose and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests.Gut microbial succession was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.Fecal and plasma metabolomics were performed to identify metabolic and their associations with microbial changes.Results:DM mice developed an early diabetes-like phenotype characterized by progressive impairment of glucose tolerance,reduced insulin levels,and mild renal alterations,without sustained overt fasting hyperglycemia.Microbial divergence emerged before stable metabolic dysfunction and was accompanied by persistent dysbiosis in DM mice.Integrated metabolomic analysis identified coordinated alterations in fecal and plasma metabolites,with cholic acid and L-Dopa decreased in both compartments.L-Dopa showed consistent associations with altered genera,particularly Ruminococcus and Sellimonas.Conclusions:Transplanting diabetes-associated human gut microbiota effectively induced early glucose dysregulation in germ-free recipient mice.This model provides a framework for studying microbiota-associated events during early T2D-related metabolic deterioration.
基金supported by the Science Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality,China(SGCX20190919142801722)。
摘要Germ-free mice exhibit profound immunological immaturity.Despite recent studies emphasizing the role of specific bacterium-derived metabolites in immune cell development and differentiation,the mechanisms linking microbiota absence to systemic immune deficits remain incompletely defined.Here,droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing of bone marrow and peripheral blood from both germ-free and specific pathogen-free mice was performed,identifying 25 transcriptionally distinct cell types.Neutrophil apoptosis was elevated in germ-free mice,potentially due to the absence of niacin dehydrogenase,a metabolite primarily produced by Pseudomonas.In addition,germ-free mice exhibited increased excretion of 5’-methylthioadenosine,enhanced ERK activation driven by reactive oxygen species,and disruption of bone marrow stromal antigen 2 signaling.Monocytes and CD8+T cells from germ-free mice showed diminished responses to interferon-β and interferon-γ,consistent with heightened viral susceptibility.These findings establish a microbiota-dependent regulatory pathway linking immunodeficiency to microbial absence in germ-free mice,confirmed through complementary validation techniques.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2018YFC1708203)the Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(No.2018PT35031)+1 种基金the Drug Innovation Major Project(No.2018ZX09711001-002-002)the Major Science and Technology Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region(No.2019ZD004).
摘要Berberis amurensis(Berberidaceae)is a traditional Chinese medicine,which is often used to treat hypertension,inflammation,dysentery and enteritis.It contains alkaloids,mainly including berberine,berbamine,magnoflorine,jatrorrhizine and palmatine.Berberis amurensis extracts(BAEs)is often orally taken.Oral herbs might be metabolized by intestinal bacteria in the small intestine.However,the interaction between the herb and the gut microbiota is still unknown.In the current study,UPLC/Q-TOFMS/MS combined with Metabolitepilot and Peakview software was used to identify the metabolites of BAEs in anti-biotic cocktail induced pseudo germ-free rats and normal rats.As a result,a total of 46 metabolites in normal rats were detected and its main metabolic pathways include demethylation,dehydrogenation,methylation,hydroxylation,sulfation and glucuronidation.Only 29 metabolites existed in pseudo germ-free rats.Dehydrogenated metabolites(M29,M30,M34 and M36),methylated metabolites(M33,M41 and M46)and other metabolites were not detected in pseudo germ-free rats.The result implied that the intestinal bacteria have an influence on the metabolism of BAEs.Furthermore,this investigation might contribute to the understanding of the metabolism of BAEs,and further promote its clinical application.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,31870106)supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,81991522)+6 种基金Key Research&Development of Zhejiang Province(2018C02048)State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agroproducts(2010DS0024-ZZ006)the National Science and Technology Major Project for Significant New Drug Development(2018ZX09735004)Taishan Scholar Climbing Project(TSPD20210304)supported by Distinguished Young Scholars of Hunan Natural Science Foundation(2020JJ2016)supported by NIGMS R44GM113545 and P20GM103434supported by NIGMS WV-INBRE P20GM103434。
摘要Carrageenans(CGNs)are widely used in foods and pharmaceuticals although their safety remains controversial.To investigate the effects of CGNs and CGN-degrading bacteria in the human colon,we screened for CGN degradation by human fecal microbiota,and for inflammatory response to CGNs and/or CGN-degrading bacteria in germ free mice.Thin-layer chromatography indicated that high molecular weight(MW)CGNs(!100 kDa)remained undegraded in the presence of human fecal microbiota,whereas low MW CGNs,i.e.,k-carrageenan oligosaccharides(KCO,~4.5 kDa)were degraded when exposed to seven of eight human fecal samples,although sulfate groups were not removed during degradation.Bacteroides xylanisolvens and Escherichia coli isolates from fecal samples apparently degraded KCO synergistically,with B.xylanisolvens serving as the primary degrader.Combined treatment of KCO with KCO-degrading bacteria led to greater pro-inflammatory effects in the colon and rectum of germ-free mice than either KCO or bacteria alone.Similarly,p-p38-,CD3-,and CD79a-positive immune cells were more abundant in combined treatment group mice than in either single treatment group.Our study shows that KCO-degrading bacteria and the low MW products of KCO can promote proinflammatory effects in mice,and represent two key markers for evaluating CGN safety in foods or medicines.
摘要Recent study shows that germ-free and antibiotic-treated animals are highly susceptible to gut epithelial injury. This paper addresses that impaired inactivation of digestive proteases may be the key factor for the increased susceptibility.
基金The excellent technical assistance of J Jarkovska, A Smolova, I Grimova and D Drasnarova is gratefully acknowledged. This research was supported by grant NR12-0101-10/2011 of the Republic of Poland, grants P304/11/1252 and 303/09/0449 of the Czech Science Foundation, grants CZ.3.22/2.1.00/09.01574 and CZ.3.22/2.1.00/ 13.03892, grant SFB F46 from the Austrian Science Fund. and Institutional Research Concept RVO 61388971.
摘要Increasing numbers of clinical trials and animal experiments have shown that probiotic bacteria are promising tools for allergy prevention. Here, we analyzed the immunomodulatory properties of three selected lactobacillus strains and the impact of their mixture on allergic sensitization to Bet v I using a gnotobiotic mouse model. We showed that Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus LOCK0900, L. rhamnosus LOCK0908 and L. casei LOCK0919 are recognized via Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) receptors and stimulate bone marrow-derived dendritic cells to produce cytokines in species- and strain-dependent manners. Colonization of germ-free (GF) mice with a mixture of all three strains (Lmix) improved the intestinal barrier by strengthening the apical junctional complexes of enterocytes and restoring the structures of microfilaments extending into the terminal web. Mice colonized with Lmix and sensitized to the Bet v I allergen showed significantly lower levels of allergen-specific IgE, IgG 1 and IgG2a and an elevated total IgA level in the sera and intestinal lavages as well as an increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β level compared with the sensitized GF mice. Splenocytes and mesenteric lymph node cells from the Lmix-colonized mice showed the significant upregulation of TGF-β after in vitro stimulation with Bet v 1. Our results show that Lmix colonization improved the gut epithelial barrier and reduced allergic sensitization to Bet v 1. Furthermore, these findings were accompanied by the increased production of circulating and secretory IgA and the regulatory cytokine TGF-β. Thus, this mixture of three lactobacillus strains shows potential for use in the prevention of increased gut permeability and the onset of allergies in humans,
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(31730091)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0500503).
摘要This study was conducted to investigate host-microbiota interactions and explore the effects of maternal gut microbiota transplantation on the growth and intestinal functions of newborns in a germ-free(GF)pig model.Twelve hysterectomy-derived GF Bama piglets were reared in 6 sterile isolators.Among them,6 were considered as the GF group,and the other 6 were orally inoculated with healthy sow fecal suspension as fecal microbiota transplanted(FMT)group.Another 6 piglets from natural birth were regarded as the conventional(CV)group.The GF and FMT groups were hand-fed with Co60-y-irradiated sterile milk powder,while the CV group was reared by lactating Bama sows.All groups were fed for 21 days.Then,all piglets and then were switched to sterile feed for another 21 days.Results showed that the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the GF group decreased(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the serum urea nitrogen concentration and digesta pH values in the GF group increased compared with those in the FMT and CV groups(P<0.05).Compared with the CV group,the GF group demonstrated upregulation in the mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier function-related genes in the small intestine(P<0.05).In addition,the mRNA abundances of intestinal development and absorption-related genes in the small intestine and colon were higher in the GF group than in the CV and FMT groups(P<0.05).The FMT group exhibited greater growth performance,lipase activity,and nutrient digestibility(P<0.05),higher mRNA expression levels of intestinal development and barrier-related genes in the small intestine(P<0.05),and lower mRNA abundances of pro-inflammatory factor in the colon and jejunum(P<0.05)than the CV group.In conclusion,the absence of gut microbes impaired the growth and nutrient digestibility,and healthy sow gut microbiota transplantation increased the growth and nutrient digestibility and improved the intestinal development and barrier function of newborn piglets,indicating the importance of intestinal microbes for intestinal development and functions.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant Nos.2018YFC0910502 and 2018YFC0910500 to WHC)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.61932008,61772368,and 61572363)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai,China(Grant No.17ZR1445600)the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project,China(Grant No.2018SHZDZX01).
摘要Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)of human fecal samples into germ-free(GF)mice is useful for establishing causal relationships between the gut microbiota and human phenotypes.However,due to the intrinsic differences between human and mouse intestines and the different diets of the two organisms,it may not be possible to replicate human phenotypes in mice through FMT;similarly,treatments that are effective in mouse models may not be effective in humans.In this study,we aimed to identify human gut microbes that undergo significant and consistent changes(i.e.,in relative abundances)after transplantation into GF mice in multiple experimental settings.We collected 16S rDNA-seq data from four published studies and analyzed the gut microbiota profiles from 1713 human–mouse pairs.Strikingly,on average,we found that only 47%of the human gut microbes could be re-established in mice at the species level,among which more than 1/3 underwent significant changes(referred to as“variable taxa”).Most of the human gut microbes that underwent significant changes were consistent across multiple human–mouse pairs and experimental settings.Consequently,about 1/3 of human samples changed their enterotypes,i.e.,significant changes in their leading species after FMT.Mice fed with a controlled diet showed a lower enterotype change rate(23.5%)than those fed with a noncontrolled diet(49.0%),suggesting a possible solution for rescue.Most of the variable taxa have been reported to be implicated in human diseases,with some recognized as the causative species.Our results highlight the challenges of using a mouse model to replicate human gut microbiota-associated phenotypes,provide useful information for researchers using mice in gut microbiota studies,and call for additional validations after FMT.An online database named FMT-DB is publicly available at http://gffzz31fc3efd07a444b1hpuo5v9v9wu0b6kvn.ffgz.tsg.suse.edu.cn/#/.
基金National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1300700)Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture Project(NT2021005)。
摘要Intestinal microbes are closely associated with host health,depending on metabolic crosstalk between the microbiota and host.Tryptophan metabolism is one of the best examples of metabolic crosstalk between intestinal microbiota and host;however,our understanding about the influence of intestinal microbiota on host tryptophan metabolism is limited.Thus,we established germ-free(GF)pig models to systemically explore the influence of intestinal microbiota on tryptophan metabolism.Five GF pigs were kept in GF conditions throughout the experiment(GF group).Six GF pigs were transplanted with fecal microbiota from donor sows to act as control pigs.Compared with control pigs,the GF pigs had remarkable alterations in tryptophan metabolism.The differential metabolites(P<0.05)were mainly found in the liver,circulation system and large intestine.Notably,the alteration of metabolites in tryptophan metabolism varied among organs,especially for the serotonin pathway.In GF pigs,tryptophan and kynurenine in the large intestine and 5-hydroxytryptophan in most organs were increased(P<0.05),while metabolites in the indole pathway in most organs were decreased(P<0.05).Collectively,our study reveals changes in tryptophan metabolism in GF pigs,highlighting the critical role of gut microbes in shaping host tryptophan metabolism.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81873098 and 81770434)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC2000504).
摘要Intestinal infectious diseases refer to the inflammatory changes in the intestinal tract caused by pathogens(including bacteria,viruses,fungi,protozoa,or parasites)or their toxic products.A large number of microorganisms colonize the intestinal tract of healthy people,which together with the intestinal epithelium constitute the biological barrier of the intestinal tract to resist infectious diseases.As an“invisible organ,”the intestinal flora is closely related to human nutrition metabolism and intestinal infections.A variety of intestinal flora participates in the nutritional metabolism of amino acids,and the small molecular substances produced by the amino acid metabolism through the intestinal flora can enhance intestinal immunity and resist bacterial infections.In turn,amino acids can also regulate the composition of the intestinal flora,maintain the steady-state of the intestinal flora,protect the intestinal barrier,and inhibit colonization by pathogenic bacteria.As a model animal with a clear microbial background,germ-free(GF)animals can clarify the mechanisms of interactions between intestinal microbes and amino acid metabolism in intestinal infections by combining genetic engineering technology and multi-omics studies.This article reviews related researches on the involvement of intestinal microbes in host amino acid metabolism and resistance to intestinal infections and discusses the advantages of GF animal models for studying the underlying mechanisms.The GF animal model is helpful to further study the intervention effects of amino acid metabolism of targeted intestinal flora on intestinal infections.
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0500503 and 2017YFD0501000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81770434 and 81370906)the National Program on Key Basic Research Project of China (973 Program) (2007CB513007 and 2013CB531406)
摘要Germ-free animals are indispensable models for human and animal functional microbiome research Germ-free animals are animals that typically have no microorganisms living in or on them. These animals have become irreplaceable research tools for studying the relationships among single bacteria strains, multiple bacteria strains and hosts.
基金supported by the Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project(Grant No.2023ZD0501400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82472896)+2 种基金the Strategic Seed Funding Collaboration Research Scheme CUHK(Grant No.3133344)the Strategic Impact Enhancement Fund CUHK(Grant No.3135509)the Impact Case for RAE CUHK(Grant No.3134277)。
摘要Objective:Dietary nitrate has been increasingly recognized as a potential carcinogen associated with gastritis.In this study the mechanistic role of a high-nitrate diet(NaD)in driving gastritis was elucidated with a focus on modulation of the gastric microbiota composition and metabolomic profiles.Methods:Animals were randomly assigned to two dietary intervention groups using a C57BL/6 mouse model:a NaD containing 7.5%nitrate;or a standard normal diet(ND).Gastric microbiota composition was characterized based on full-length 16S rRNA sequencing and gastric metabolite profiles were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC/MS).Finally,the roles of the microbiome and metabolites in gastritis development were validated using the human gastric epithelial cell line(GES-1),as well as conventional and germ-free mouse models.Results:NaD induced gastritis in conventional mice compared to ND-fed mice.In addition,NaD incited the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokine genes(IL-17a,Ccl20,Cxcl5,IL-6,and Ccl2).A significant shift in the composition of the gastric microbiota occurred with an increase in pathogenic bacteria(Enterococcus gallinarum,Prevotella timonensis,and Mycobacterium gordona)and a decrease in probiotics(Roseburia hominis,Clostriduim scindens,and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii).Furthermore,NaD induced alterations in the metabolic profile,marked by an elevated level of 5-hydroxyindoleacetate(5-HIAA),a key downstream metabolite of the tryptophan metabolic pathway.Notably,5-HIAA also upregulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the human gastric epithelial GES-1 cell line.In addition,both E.gallinarum colonization and 5-HIAA exposure significantly increased inflammatory responses in conventional and germ-free mouse models.Conclusions:NaD drives gastritis in mice by inducing gastric microbial dysbiosis and metabolomic dysregulation with elevated 5-HIAA.
摘要目的筛选铜死亡相关长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)并构建预后模型,为睾丸生殖细胞肿瘤(TGCT)患者提供精准预后评估工具。方法整合TCGA转录组数据及临床信息,通过共表达分析筛选与铜死亡基因显著相关的lncRNA(|R|>0.5,P<0.05)。在训练集中采用LASSO回归构建风险评分模型,并在测试集中验证。通过时间依赖性受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线、Kaplan-Meier生存分析、单因素及多因素Cox回归评估模型效能。结果共筛选出11个与铜死亡基因显著相关的lncRNA,LASSO回归进一步确定3个关键lncRNA(AC002456.2、AC004069.2、AC005498.3)构建风险评分模型。在测试集中,模型预测1、2、3年无复发生存期(RFS)的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.691、0.599和0.749。高风险组患者RFS显著短于低风险组(P<0.05),训练集和测试集的中位RFS时间分别为328 d vs 810 d和430 d vs 816 d。多因素Cox回归显示,风险评分分组(P=0.01)和S分期是RFS的独立预后因素。风险评分与T分期、S分期显著相关(P<0.05)。结论本研究成功构建了一个基于3个铜死亡相关lncRNA的预后模型。该模型能有效预测TGCT患者的RFS,为个体化预后评估提供了新工具,并为探索铜死亡相关lncRNA的调控机制提供参考。
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32122067 and U23A20259)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities JUSRP622013Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province.
摘要Antibiotic exposure has adverse effects on intestinal immunity,metabolism,and gut microbiota(GM)composition,particularly by disturbing GM composition without short-term recovery.Capsaicin,a dietary irritant,is generally avoided during antibiotic therapy,but its mechanism remains unclear.To explore the effects of capsaicin on intestinal health during antibiotic administration,we conducted experiments in specifi c pathogen free(SPF)and germ-free(GF)mice and correlation analyses using 16S rRNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics to explore the protective role of the intestinal biological barrier.The results showed that additional supplementation of capsaicin under antibiotic exposure did not cause serious damage to the intestine,but had potential adverse effects on the structure,function,and metabolites of GM,including increasing the abundance of opportunistic pathogens(Mucispirillum and Aeromonas),enriching metabolic pathways(arachidonic acid metabolism and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis),and metabolites associated with colon infl ammation(N-acetylhistamine).In the absence of GM barrier,the benefi cial function of capsaicin on the intestine was weakened and even induced adverse effects,suggesting that GM may have a certain mediating mechanism in the physiological function of capsaicin.