Discrete genetic loci in human gut Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron confer pectin metabolism

Abstract

Although the polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) activated by pectin have been defined, due to the complex of side-chain structure, the degradative mechanisms still remain vague. Thus, we hypothesize that there may have other specific PULs to target pectin. Here, we characterize loci-encoded proteins expressed by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT) that are involved in the pectin capturing, importation, de-branching and degradation into monosaccharides. Totally, four PULs contain ten enzymes and four glycan binding proteins which including a novel surface enzyme and a surface glycan binding protein are identified. Notably, PUL2 and PUL3 have not been reported so far. Further, we show that the degradation products support the growth of other Bacteroides spp. and probiotics. In addition, genes involved in this process are conservative in other Bacteroides spp. Our results further highlight the contribution of Bacteroides spp. to metabolism the pectic network.