Project description:We have previously demonstrated that the arrhythmic expressions of circadian clock genes due to constant darkness induce glycometabolic and reproductive hallmarks of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats. Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L.reuteri) is a promising dietary intervention for host dysmetabolism, while its potential effect on circadian dysrhythmia-induced PCOS remains elusive. Here, we evaluated the amelioration of L.reuteri regimen on constant darkness-induced PCOS-like rats through detecting hepatic gene expression profiles by RNA-seq.
Project description:<p>Gut environments harbour dense microbial ecosystems in which plasmids are widely distributed. Plasmids facilitate the exchange of genetic material among microorganisms while enabling the transfer of a diverse array of accessory functions. However, their precise impact on microbial community composition and function remains largely unexplored. Here we identify a prevalent bacterial toxin and a plasmid-encoded resistance mechanism that mediates the interaction between Lactobacilli and Enterococci. This plasmid is widespread across ecosystems, including the rumen and human gut microbiota. Biochemical characterization of the plasmid revealed a defence mechanism against reuterin, a toxin produced by various gut microbes, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri. Using a targeted metabolomic approach, we find reuterin to be prevalent across rumen ecosystems with impacts on microbial community structure. Enterococcus strains carrying the protective plasmid were isolated and their interactions with L. reuteri, the toxin producer, were studied in vitro. Interestingly, we found that by conferring resistance against reuterin, the plasmid mediates metabolic exchange between the defending and the attacking microbial species, resulting in a beneficial relationship or mutualism. Hence, we reveal here an ecological role for a plasmid-coded defence system in mediating a beneficial interaction. </p>
Project description:Enteroendocrine cells are hormonal secreting cells in the gut. However, as they comprise <1% of the total epithelial cell population, studies on their response to stimuli have been limited. Chang-Graham, Danhof, Engevik, and Tomaro-Duchesneau et al (PMID 31029854) developed a model enteroid system to overcome this limitation. By driving expression of NGN3 in human jejunal enteroids, their system allows for analysis of hormonal secretion and transcriptional analysis in response to a stimulus. To further characterize these NGN3 enteroids, we performed RNASeq on these enteroids in the induced or uninduced state, treated with a media control or Limosilactobacillus reuteri conditioned media. .