Project description:The human gut is colonized by trillions of microorganisms that influence human health and disease through the metabolism of xenobiotics, including therapeutic drugs and antibiotics. The diversity and metabolic potential of the human gut microbiome have been extensively characterized, but it remains unclear which microorganisms are active and which perturbations can influence this activity. Here, we use flow cytometry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metatranscriptomics to demonstrate that the human gut contains distinctive subsets of active and damaged microorganisms, primarily composed of Firmicutes, which display marked temporal variation. Short-term exposure to a panel of xenobiotics resulted in significant changes in the physiology and gene expression of this active microbiome. Xenobiotic-responsive genes were found across multiple bacterial phyla, encoding novel candidate proteins for antibiotic resistance, drug metabolism, and stress response. These results demonstrate the power of moving beyond DNA-based measurements of microbial communities to better understand their physiology and metabolism. RNA-Seq analysis of the human gut microbiome during exposure to antibiotics and therapeutic drugs.
Project description:Long-term dietary intake influences the structure and activity of the trillions of microorganisms residing in the human gut, but it remains unclear how rapidly and reproducibly the human gut microbiome responds to short-term macronutrient change. Here we show that the short-term consumption of diets composed entirely of animal or plant products alters microbial community structure and overwhelms inter-individual differences in microbial gene expression. The animal-based diet increased the abundance of bile-tolerant microorganisms (Alistipes, Bilophila and Bacteroides) and decreased the levels of Firmicutes that metabolize dietary plant polysaccharides (Roseburia, Eubacterium rectale and Ruminococcus bromii). Microbial activity mirrored differences between herbivorous and carnivorous mammals, reflecting trade-offs between carbohydrate and protein fermentation. Foodborne microbes from both diets transiently colonized the gut, including bacteria, fungi and even viruses. Finally, increases in the abundance and activity of Bilophila wadsworthia on the animal-based diet support a link between dietary fat, bile acids and the outgrowth of microorganisms capable of triggering inflammatory bowel disease. In concert, these results demonstrate that the gut microbiome can rapidly respond to altered diet, potentially facilitating the diversity of human dietary lifestyles. RNA-Seq analysis of the human gut microbiome during consumption of a plant- or animal-based diet.
Project description:The human gut is colonized by trillions of microorganisms that influence human health and disease through the metabolism of xenobiotics, including therapeutic drugs and antibiotics. The diversity and metabolic potential of the human gut microbiome have been extensively characterized, but it remains unclear which microorganisms are active and which perturbations can influence this activity. Here, we use flow cytometry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metatranscriptomics to demonstrate that the human gut contains distinctive subsets of active and damaged microorganisms, primarily composed of Firmicutes, which display marked temporal variation. Short-term exposure to a panel of xenobiotics resulted in significant changes in the physiology and gene expression of this active microbiome. Xenobiotic-responsive genes were found across multiple bacterial phyla, encoding novel candidate proteins for antibiotic resistance, drug metabolism, and stress response. These results demonstrate the power of moving beyond DNA-based measurements of microbial communities to better understand their physiology and metabolism.
Project description:Long-term dietary intake influences the structure and activity of the trillions of microorganisms residing in the human gut, but it remains unclear how rapidly and reproducibly the human gut microbiome responds to short-term macronutrient change. Here we show that the short-term consumption of diets composed entirely of animal or plant products alters microbial community structure and overwhelms inter-individual differences in microbial gene expression. The animal-based diet increased the abundance of bile-tolerant microorganisms (Alistipes, Bilophila and Bacteroides) and decreased the levels of Firmicutes that metabolize dietary plant polysaccharides (Roseburia, Eubacterium rectale and Ruminococcus bromii). Microbial activity mirrored differences between herbivorous and carnivorous mammals, reflecting trade-offs between carbohydrate and protein fermentation. Foodborne microbes from both diets transiently colonized the gut, including bacteria, fungi and even viruses. Finally, increases in the abundance and activity of Bilophila wadsworthia on the animal-based diet support a link between dietary fat, bile acids and the outgrowth of microorganisms capable of triggering inflammatory bowel disease. In concert, these results demonstrate that the gut microbiome can rapidly respond to altered diet, potentially facilitating the diversity of human dietary lifestyles.
Project description:Mrakia psychrophlila is a psychrophilic fungus widely spread all over the world. The cold adaptation mechanism of Mrakia psychrophila is unknown. Using RNA sequencing, differentially expressed genes of Mrakia psychrophila cultured at 4, 12 and 20 degree centigrade are identified. The result may be benefit for understanding cold adaptation of microorganisms.
Project description:Human gut microorganisms alter the folding capacity of neighboring cells and suggest new strategy for manipulating microbial community dynamics.
Project description:The human gut is inhabited by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, encompassing bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. Recent research has illuminated the significance of the gut fungal microbiota (mycobiota) in shaping host immunity and influencing the onset and progression of various human diseases. While most investigations into gut microbiota have centered on bacteria, accumulating evidence has underscored the role of mycobiota in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). In this study, we present the isolation of the live Malassezia globosa strains from the intestinal mucosa of UC patients for the first time. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and virulence of this fungus. Malassezia, primarily known to inhabit human skin, prompted us to compare the genomes, transcriptomes, and virulence of M. globosa gut isolates with those of M. globosa strains isolated from the skin. This comparative analysis aimed to discern potential niche-specific adaptations of the fungus. Our findings reveal a striking disparity in the pathogenicity of M. globosa isolated from the gut compared to its skin counterpart. In a mouse model, gut-isolated M. globosa exhibited a more pronounced exacerbation of DSS-induced colitis and elevated production of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, transcriptome analysis indicated that gut isolates of M. globosa display heightened sensitivity to normoxia compared to their skin-isolated counterparts, suggesting adaptation to the hypoxic conditions prevalent in the intestinal mucosal environment