Current research study uncovers the unique capability of specific gut germs to utilize different metabolites for energy, suggesting the gut microbiomes considerable role in human health and potential for healing interventions.Survey of bacterial genomes highlights the arsenal of enzymes microbes use to produce energy in the oxygen-poor environment of the gut.The gut microbiome is so helpful to human food digestion and health that it is frequently called an extra digestive organ. New research from the University of Chicago reveals that some groups of these microbial helpers are exceptionally resourceful too, with a big repertoire of genes that help them generate energy for themselves and potentially influence human health as well.Innovative Research FindingsThe paper, published January 4, 2024, in Nature Microbiology, identified 22 metabolites that 3 distantly related families of gut germs utilize as alternatives to oxygen for respiration in the anaerobic environment of the gut. These germs also have up to hundreds of copies of genes for producing the enzymes that process these alternate metabolites– many more than have been measured in germs that live outside the gut. “We believe this variety of genes allows gut germs to use a lot of various things that come their way.”Reference: “Dietary- and host-derived metabolites are used by varied gut bacteria for anaerobic respiration” 4 January 2023, Nature Microbiology.DOI: 10.1038/ s41564-023-01560-2The research study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (T32DK007074, K22AI144031, r35gm146969, and 1s10od020062-01) and the Searle Scholars Program.
Current research study uncovers the unique capability of specific gut germs to use various metabolites for energy, suggesting the gut microbiomes considerable role in human health and capacity for restorative interventions.Survey of bacterial genomes highlights the arsenal of enzymes microorganisms utilize to produce energy in the oxygen-poor environment of the gut.The gut microbiome is so helpful to human digestion and health that it is frequently called an extra digestion organ. New research from the University of Chicago reveals that some groups of these microbial helpers are exceptionally resourceful too, with a large repertoire of genes that help them create energy for themselves and possibly affect human health as well.Innovative Research FindingsThe paper, published January 4, 2024, in Nature Microbiology, identified 22 metabolites that three distantly associated families of gut bacteria utilize as options to oxygen for respiration in the anaerobic environment of the gut. These bacteria likewise have up to hundreds of copies of genes for producing the enzymes that process these alternate metabolites– lots of more than have been measured in bacteria that live outside the gut.
