Genomic and Metabolic Studies of the Impact of Probiotics on a Model Gut Symbiont and Host
2006
Impact of Probiotics on Gut Microbes
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Justin Sonnenburg, Christina Chen, Jeffrey Gordon
Hypothesis
Do probiotics alter the properties of our gut microbial community?
Conclusion
Probiotics can influence the gut microbiota and the host's biology in complex ways.
Supporting Evidence
- B. thetaiotaomicron expands its capacity to consume a broad range of polysaccharides when co-existing with B. longum.
- B. longum shifts its focus from mannosides to xylosides when in the presence of B. thetaiotaomicron.
- Different probiotic species affect the microbiota in varying ways.
Takeaway
Probiotics are good bacteria that can help our gut, but they work differently depending on the type of bacteria.
Methodology
The study used germ-free mice and monitored gene expression in gut bacteria and host cells.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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