Differences in Gut Microbiota Assembly Alter Its Ability to Metabolize Dietary Polysaccharides and Resist Clostridioides difficile Colonization

• DOI: 10.1101/2022.05.20.492827
• Publication Date: 2022-05-23T15:13:50Z
• Authors: Matthew K. Schniz...; Alexandra K. Standke; Mark J. Garmo; Summer J. Edwards; Vincent B. Young
• Keywords: Lachnospiraceae; Colonisation resistance

Abstract The mammalian gut is home to a vibrant community of microbes. As the microbiota has evolved, its members have formed complex yet stable relationships that prevent non-indigenous microorganisms, such as Clostridioides difficile , from establishing within gut. Using bioreactor model gut, we characterize how variation in microbial assembly changes ability resist C. . We established diluted communities healthy human stool and subsequently challenged them with vegetative 16S rRNA-gene sequencing selective plating revealed dilution progressively increases variability decreases colonization resistance. Dirichlet Multinomial Mixtures linear discriminant analysis effect size, identified 19 bacterial taxa, including Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides Lachnospiraceae, associate more resistant types. Since these taxa are associated butyrate production, which tied resistance, performed another reactor experiment where increased inulin concentrations prior challenge. Diluted concurrently lost their produce additional response inulin, measured by high performance liquid chromatography, colonization. These data demonstrate similar level cohesiveness required metabolize inulin. It also suggests metabolic activity butyrate-producing microbes Future work can leverage findings develop treatments knowledge ecological dynamics improve efficacy. Importance living large intestine helps create an environment organisms do not normally reside there, pathogen Differences ways make change provide To study those differences, use incorporates only variables (i.e. no host involved). By diluting decrease complexity, show lose at particular point and, same time, common dietary fiber, toxic will help future researchers dissect components intestinal environment.