Abstract
Although alterations in gut microbiota composition during acute colitis have been repeatedly observed, associated functional changes and the recovery from dysbiosis received little attention. In this study, we investigated structure and function of the gut microbiota during acute inflammation and recovery in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-colitis mouse model using metatranscriptomics, bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and monitoring of selected host markers. Parallel to an increase of host markers of inflammation during acute colitis, we observed relative abundance shifts and alterations in phylotype composition of the dominant bacterial orders Clostridiales and Bacteroidales, and an increase of the low abundant Enterobacteriales, Deferribacterales, Verrucomicrobiales and Erysipelotrichales. During recovery, the microbiota began to resume, but did not reach its original composition until the end of the experiment. Microbial gene expression was more resilient to disturbance, with pre-perturbation-type transcript profiles appearing quickly after acute colitis. The decrease of Clostridiales during inflammation correlated with a reduction of transcripts related to butyrate formation, suggesting a disturbance in host-microbe signalling and mucosal nutrient provision. The impact of acute inflammation on the Clostridiales was also characterized by a significant downregulation of their flagellin-encoding genes. In contrast, the abundance of members of the Bacteroidales increased along with an increase in transcripts related to mucin degradation. We propose that acute inflammation triggered a selective reaction of the immune system against flagella of commensals and temporarily altered murine microbiota composition and functions relevant for the host. Despite changes in specific interactions, the host–microbiota homeostasis revealed a remarkable ability for recovery.
Highlights
The mammalian intestine is densely populated by billions of bacteria belonging to an estimated500–1000 different species predominantly classified to the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes
We investigated structure and function of the gut microbiota during acute inflammation and recovery in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-colitis mouse model using metatranscriptomics, bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and monitoring of selected host markers
We proposed a time line of events that determined the interplay of host and microbiota (Figure 8)
Summary
The mammalian intestine is densely populated by billions of bacteria belonging to an estimated500–1000 different species predominantly classified to the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The mammalian intestine is densely populated by billions of bacteria belonging to an estimated. Host and microbiota live in a mutualistic relationship. The host supplies energy sources, and the key roles of the microbiota are the breakdown of nutrients, the synthesis of hormones and vitamins and colonization resistance to pathogens (Nicholson et al, 2012; Stecher et al, 2013). Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs such as butyrate, propionate and acetate) synthesized during metabolism of diet- or host-derived carbohydrates are actively absorbed and contribute to host energy maintenance (Bergman, 1990). Host–microbiota interactions are important at the immunological level (Saleh and Trinchieri, 2011). Members of the microbiota or their metabolites, for example, level phylotypes, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequen-
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
