1
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Liu Y, Li Z, Lee SC, Chen S, Li F. Akkermansia muciniphila: promises and pitfallsfor next-generation beneficial microorganisms. Arch Microbiol 2025; 207:76. [PMID: 40032707 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-025-04263-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2025] [Revised: 01/29/2025] [Accepted: 01/31/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila, a microorganism ubiquitously colonizing the mucosal layer of the human gut, has garnered significant scientific interest as a promising candidate for probiotic therapeutics. Its persistent identification in both laboratory and living organism studies underscores its potential physiological benefits, positioning it as a bacterium of paramount importance in promoting host health. This review examines the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota members, emphasizing the identification of microbial species engaged in cross-feeding networks with A. muciniphila. Insightful exploration into the mechanisms of cross-feeding, including mucin-derived nutrient exchange and metabolite production, unveils the intricate dynamics shaping microbial community stability. Such interactions contribute not only to the availability of essential nutrients within the gut environment but also to the production of metabolites influencing microbial community dynamics and host health. In conclusion, the cumulative evidence from in vitro and in vivo perspectives substantiates the notion that A. muciniphila holds tremendous promise as a next-generation probiotic. By leveraging its unique physiological benefits, particularly in mucosal health and metabolic regulation, A. muciniphila stands poised to revolutionize the landscape of probiotic interventions for enhanced host well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantong Liu
- Department of Computer and Information Engineering, Kunsan National University, Gunsan, 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Zonglun Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, China
| | - Sze Ching Lee
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Mayo clinic, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Shurui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and molecular biology, Mayo clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA.
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2
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Ioannou A, Berkhout MD, Geerlings SY, Belzer C. Akkermansia muciniphila: biology, microbial ecology, host interactions and therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Microbiol 2025; 23:162-177. [PMID: 39406893 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01106-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut bacterium that colonizes the gut mucosa, has a role in maintaining gut health and shows promise for potential therapeutic applications. The discovery of A. muciniphila as an important member of our gut microbiome, occupying an extraordinary niche in the human gut, has led to new hypotheses on gut health, beneficial microorganisms and host-microbiota interactions. This microorganism has established a unique position in human microbiome research, similar to its role in the gut ecosystem. Its unique traits in using mucin sugars and mechanisms of action that can modify host health have made A. muciniphila a subject of enormous attention from multiple research fields. A. muciniphila is becoming a model organism studied for its ability to modulate human health and gut microbiome structure, leading to commercial products, a genetic model and possible probiotic formulations. This Review provides an overview of A. muciniphila and Akkermansia genus phylogeny, ecophysiology and diversity. Furthermore, the Review discusses perspectives on ecology, strategies for harnessing beneficial effects of A. muciniphila for human mucosal metabolic and gut health, and its potential as a biomarker for diagnostics and prognostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Ioannou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maryse D Berkhout
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sharon Y Geerlings
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clara Belzer
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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3
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Arumugam U, Sudarsanan GB, Karuppannan AK, Palaniappan S. Metagenomic Studies Reveal the Evidence of Akkermansia muciniphila and Other Probiotic Bacteria in the Gut of Healthy and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP)-Infected Farmed Penaeus vannamei. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2025; 17:432-439. [PMID: 37749431 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Penaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp) is the most widely cultured shrimp globally. Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite, infects P. vannamei and causes severe growth retardation, subsequent production, and economic losses in the shrimp culture. The influence of EHP infection in the shrimp gut microbiota is poorly studied, and this would be an interesting area to investigate since the gut microbiome of shrimp influences a number of key host processes such as digestion and immunity. In this study, a metagenomic approach was followed to compare the overall species richness of the gut microbiota of EHP-infected and healthy P. vannamei. Bacterial genomic DNA from the healthy and EHP-infected gut sample were profiled for the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, targeting the V3-V4 conserved region. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs), an approximation of definitive taxonomic identity, were identified based on the sequence similarity within the sample reads and clustered together using a cut-off of 97% identity using UCLUST. The OTUs were then used for the computation of alpha diversity and beta diversity for each sample. EHP-infected gut sample showed lower bacterial abundance throughout the family, class, order, genus, and species levels when compared to healthy gut sample. This study shows that the shrimp gut microbiota is sensitive and exhibits a high level of plasticity during a microsporidian infection like EHP. Furthermore, Akkermansia muciniphila, a novel probiotic bacterium, has been reported in the shrimp gut for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Arumugam
- State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Madhavaram Campus, Chennai, 600051, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Ganesh Babu Sudarsanan
- State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Madhavaram Campus, Chennai, 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anbu Kumar Karuppannan
- Bioinformatics Center, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Vepery, Chennai, 600007, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Subash Palaniappan
- State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Madhavaram Campus, Chennai, 600051, Tamil Nadu, India
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4
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Aja E, Zeng A, Gray W, Connelley K, Chaganti A, Jacobs JP. Health Effects and Therapeutic Potential of the Gut Microbe Akkermansia muciniphila. Nutrients 2025; 17:562. [PMID: 39940420 PMCID: PMC11820462 DOI: 10.3390/nu17030562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2025] [Accepted: 01/29/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila is a bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract that has received considerable interest as a potential probiotic for the improvement of gut health and overall metabolic function. A. muciniphila is enriched in the mucus layer of the intestinal lining, where it degrades mucin and plays a significant role in gut barrier maintenance and immune regulation. A higher abundance of A. muciniphila has been observed in the gut of healthy individuals relative to those with metabolic disorders, and multiple metabolic benefits, including improved glucose management, reduced body fat, and reduced inflammation have been linked to A. muciniphila. Current research on A. muciniphila primarily relies on mouse models, with limited human interventional studies available. While these animal studies offer valuable insights into the potential roles of A. muciniphila in health and disease, further clinical investigations in humans are needed to fully understand its impact. Here, we explore the current scope of A. muciniphila research and its potential as a therapeutic agent to improve gut and metabolic health while also emphasizing the need to optimize techniques to further improve studies of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezinne Aja
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.Z.); (W.G.); (K.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Amber Zeng
- UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.Z.); (W.G.); (K.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Weston Gray
- UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.Z.); (W.G.); (K.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Kaden Connelley
- UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.Z.); (W.G.); (K.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Anil Chaganti
- UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.Z.); (W.G.); (K.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Jonathan P. Jacobs
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (A.Z.); (W.G.); (K.C.); (A.C.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
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5
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Wang L, Hu J, Li K, Zhao Y, Zhu M. Advancements in gene editing technologies for probiotic-enabled disease therapy. iScience 2024; 27:110791. [PMID: 39286511 PMCID: PMC11403445 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotics typically refer to microorganisms that have been identified for their health benefits, and they are added to foods or supplements to promote the health of the host. A growing number of probiotic strains have been identified lately and developed into valuable regulatory pharmaceuticals for nutritional and medical applications. Gene editing technologies play a crucial role in addressing the need for safe and therapeutic probiotics in disease treatment. These technologies offer valuable assistance in comprehending the underlying mechanisms of probiotic bioactivity and in the development of advanced probiotics. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of gene editing technologies applied in the engineering of both traditional and next-generation probiotics. It further explores the potential for on-demand production of customized products derived from enhanced probiotics, with a particular emphasis on the future of gene editing in the development of live biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixuan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Motao Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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6
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Elzinga J, Narimatsu Y, de Haan N, Clausen H, de Vos WM, Tytgat HLP. Binding of Akkermansia muciniphila to mucin is O-glycan specific. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4582. [PMID: 38811534 PMCID: PMC11137150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48770-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal anaerobic bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila is specialized in the degradation of mucins, which are heavily O-glycosylated proteins that constitute the major components of the mucus lining the intestine. Despite that adhesion to mucins is considered critical for the persistence of A. muciniphila in the human intestinal tract, our knowledge of how this intestinal symbiont recognizes and binds to mucins is still limited. Here, we first show that the mucin-binding properties of A. muciniphila are independent of environmental oxygen concentrations and not abolished by pasteurization. We then dissected the mucin-binding properties of pasteurized A. muciniphila by use of a recently developed cell-based mucin array that enables display of the tandem repeats of human mucins with distinct O-glycan patterns and structures. We found that A. muciniphila recognizes the unsialylated LacNAc (Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-R) disaccharide selectively on core2 and core3 O-glycans. This disaccharide epitope is abundantly found on human colonic mucins capped by sialic acids, and we demonstrated that endogenous A. muciniphila neuraminidase activity can uncover the epitope and promote binding. In summary, our study provides insights into the mucin-binding properties important for colonization of a key mucin-foraging bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke Elzinga
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Yoshiki Narimatsu
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- GlycoDisplay ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Noortje de Haan
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Clausen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Willem M de Vos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanne L P Tytgat
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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7
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Li L, Li M, Chen Y, Yu Z, Cheng P, Yu Z, Cheng W, Zhang W, Wang Z, Gao X, Sun H, Wang X. Function and therapeutic prospects of next-generation probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila in infectious diseases. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1354447. [PMID: 38384263 PMCID: PMC10880487 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1354447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human gut, making up 3-5% of the human microbiome. A. muciniphila is a promising next-generation probiotic with clinical application prospects. Emerging studies have reported various beneficial effects of A. muciniphila including anti-cancer, delaying aging, reducing inflammation, improving immune function, regulating nervous system function, whereas knowledge on its roles and mechanism in infectious disease is currently unclear. In this review, we summarized the basic characteristics, genome and phenotype diversity, the influence of A. muciniphila and its derived components on infectious diseases, such as sepsis, virus infection, enteric infection, periodontitis and foodborne pathogen induced infections. We also provided updates on mechanisms how A. muciniphila protects intestinal barrier integrity and modulate host immune response. In summary, we believe that A. muciniphila is a promising therapeutic probiotic that may be applied for the treatment of a variety of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingchao Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Electrical Biology Room, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zengyuan Yu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhidan Yu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weyland Cheng
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wancun Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaobao Wang
- Energy-rich Compounds Production by Photosynthetic Carbon Fixation Research Center, Shandong Key Lab of Applied Mycology, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xueyan Gao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Huiqing Sun
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
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8
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González D, Morales-Olavarria M, Vidal-Veuthey B, Cárdenas JP. Insights into early evolutionary adaptations of the Akkermansia genus to the vertebrate gut. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1238580. [PMID: 37779688 PMCID: PMC10540074 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1238580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia, a relevant mucin degrader from the vertebrate gut microbiota, is a member of the deeply branched Verrucomicrobiota, as well as the only known member of this phylum to be described as inhabitants of the gut. Only a few Akkermansia species have been officially described so far, although there is genomic evidence addressing the existence of more species-level variants for this genus. This niche specialization makes Akkermansia an interesting model for studying the evolution of microorganisms to their adaptation to the gastrointestinal tract environment, including which kind of functions were gained when the Akkermansia genus originated or how the evolutionary pressure functions over those genes. In order to gain more insight into Akkermansia adaptations to the gastrointestinal tract niche, we performed a phylogenomic analysis of 367 high-quality Akkermansia isolates and metagenome-assembled genomes, in addition to other members of Verrucomicrobiota. This work was focused on three aspects: the definition of Akkermansia genomic species clusters and the calculation and functional characterization of the pangenome for the most represented species; the evolutionary relationship between Akkermansia and their closest relatives from Verrucomicrobiota, defining the gene families which were gained or lost during the emergence of the last Akkermansia common ancestor (LAkkCA) and; the evaluation of the evolutionary pressure metrics for each relevant gene family of main Akkermansia species. This analysis found 25 Akkermansia genomic species clusters distributed in two main clades, divergent from their non-Akkermansia relatives. Pangenome analyses suggest that Akkermansia species have open pangenomes, and the gene gain/loss model indicates that genes associated with mucin degradation (both glycoside hydrolases and peptidases), (micro)aerobic metabolism, surface interaction, and adhesion were part of LAkkCA. Specifically, mucin degradation is a very ancestral innovation involved in the origin of Akkermansia. Horizontal gene transfer detection suggests that Akkermansia could receive genes mostly from unknown sources or from other Gram-negative gut bacteria. Evolutionary metrics suggest that Akkemansia species evolved differently, and even some conserved genes suffered different evolutionary pressures among clades. These results suggest a complex evolutionary landscape of the genus and indicate that mucin degradation could be an essential feature in Akkermansia evolution as a symbiotic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dámariz González
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Morales-Olavarria
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Boris Vidal-Veuthey
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan P. Cárdenas
- Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
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9
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Del Chierico F, Marzano V, Scanu M, Reddel S, Dentici ML, Capolino R, Di Donato M, Spasari I, Fiscarelli EV, Digilio MC, Abreu MT, Dallapiccola B, Putignani L. Analysis of gut microbiota in patients with Williams-Beuren Syndrome reveals dysbiosis linked to clinical manifestations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9797. [PMID: 37328513 PMCID: PMC10275996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36704-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystem genetic disease caused by the deletion of a region of 1.5-1.8 Mb on chromosome 7q11.23. The elastin gene seems to account for several comorbidities and distinct clinical features such including cardiovascular disease, connective tissue abnormalities, growth retardation, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Increasing evidence points to alterations in gut microbiota composition as a primary or secondary cause of some GI or extra-intestinal characteristics. In this study, we performed the first exploratory analysis of gut microbiota in WBS patients compared to healthy subjects (CTRLs) using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, by investigating the gut dysbiosis in relation to diseases and comorbidities. We found that patients with WBS have significant dysbiosis compared to age-matched CTRLs, characterized by an increase in proinflammatory bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Gluconacetobacter and Eggerthella, and a reduction of anti-inflammatory bacteria including Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium. Microbial biomarkers associated with weight gain, GI symptoms and hypertension were identified. Gut microbiota profiling could represent a new tool that characterise intestinal dysbiosis to complement the clinical management of these patients. In particular, the administration of microbial-based treatments, alongside traditional therapies, could help in reducing or preventing the burden of these symptoms and improve the quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Del Chierico
- Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Marzano
- Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Scanu
- Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sofia Reddel
- Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Lisa Dentici
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division and Medical Genetics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Capolino
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division and Medical Genetics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Di Donato
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Iolanda Spasari
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli
- Research Unit of Diagnostical and Management Innovations, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Digilio
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division and Medical Genetics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Abreu
- Crohn's and Colitis Center, Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Scientific Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics and Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Filardi R, Gargari G, Mora D, Arioli S. Characterization of antibiotic-resistance traits in Akkermansia muciniphila strains of human origin. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19426. [PMID: 36371559 PMCID: PMC9653403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila, a commensal bacterium commonly found in healthy gut microbiota, is widely considered a next-generation beneficial bacterium candidate to improve metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Recently the EFSA's Panel on Nutrition, Novel food, and Food Allergens has declared that pasteurized A. muciniphila DSM 22959T (also MucT, ATCC BAA-835) can be considered safe as a novel food, opening the door to its commercialization as a food supplement. Despite its recognized health benefits, there is still little information regarding the antimicrobial susceptibility of this species and reference cut-off values to distinguish strains with intrinsic or acquired resistance from susceptible strains. In this study, we combined a genomic approach with the evaluation of the antibiotic susceptibility in five human A. muciniphila isolates. Genomic mining for antimicrobial resistance genes and MICs determinations revealed that only one strain harboring tetW gene showed resistance to tetracycline, whereas all A. muciniphila strains showed low sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and aminoglycosides with no genotypic correlation. Although all strains harbor the gene adeF, encoding for a subunit of the resistance-nodulation-cell division efflux pump system, potentially involved in ciprofloxacin resistance, the susceptibility towards ciprofloxacin determined in presence of efflux pump inhibitors was not affected. Overall, our outcomes revealed the importance to extend the antibiotic susceptibility test to a larger number of new isolates of A. muciniphila to better assess the safety aspects of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Filardi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gargari
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Mora
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Arioli
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
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