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PubMed2026

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation postbiotic supplementation on metagenomics of digital dermatitis lesions in lactating Holstein cows.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is the leading cause of lameness in cattle, posing major animal welfare and economic concerns. Effective prevention strategies are increasingly important given emerging antimicrobial resistance associated with common DD treatments. Supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation postbiotics (SCFP) has been shown to enhance innate immunity and reduce DD lesion development. This study evaluated the effect of a commercial SCFP supplement on the microbial composition of DD lesions using shotgun metagenomic sequencing to characterize microbial communities and associated antimicrobial resistance genes. Beta diversity analysis revealed that stage M4 DD lesions from SCFP-supplemented cows had a trend for different microbial compositions compared with controls (P = 0.051). At the genus level, M2 lesions were found to have statistically significant lower abundance of the genera Desulfovibrio, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Anaerotignum, Caproicibacterium, and Bacteroides in the SCFP treatment group compared with the control (P < 0.05). M2 lesions from the SCFP treatment group were also found to have statistically significant higher abundance of the genera Fusobacterium, Citricoccus, Listeria, and Fundicoccus as compared with the control (P < 0.05). M4 lesions were found to have statistically significant lower abundance of the genera Blautia and Petrimonas in the SCFP treatment group compared with the control (P < 0.05). At the species level, M2 lesions were found to have statistically significant lower abundance of the species Desulfovibrio sp. G11, Anaerotignum sp. MB30-C6, Caproicibacterium argilliputei, and Prevotella intermedia in the SCFP treatment group compared with the control (P < 0.05). M2 lesions from the SCFP treatment group were also found to have statistically significant higher abundance of the species Fundicoccus culcitae and Helcococcus ovis as compared with the control (P < 0.05). Metagenomic analysis identified antimicrobial resistance genes associated with multiple antibiotics commonly used for DD treatment, including tetracyclines, lincosamides, and pleuromutilins. These findings demonstrate the potential for SCFP supplementation to alter the microbial composition of DD lesions while highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance in DD management.IMPORTANCEDigital dermatitis (DD) causes substantial economic loss and welfare concerns in cattle production systems worldwide. Our findings show that dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation postbiotics (SCFP) has the potential to alter the microbial ecology of DD lesions. Importantly, this work identifies antimicrobial resistance genes within DD lesions, underscoring the limitations of antibiotic-based control strategies. By linking nutritional supplementation to changes in microbial communities and resistance gene profiles, this study advances understanding of non-antibiotic approaches to disease mitigation and supports the development of sustainable, microbiome-informed management practices in food animal production.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Insights into specific and nonspecific butyrate-producing pathways during the in vitro fecal fermentation of butyrylated starch.

Butyrylated starch is a special type-4 resistant starch with butyrate-carrying attribute. In this study, the unique butyrate-producing capability of butyrylated starch was deeply investigated by focusing on its specific and nonspecific butyrate-producing pathways, respectively, using specially designed substrates as controls. In vitro fermentation studies revealed that butyrylated and isobutyrylated starches generated high levels of butyrate and isobutyrate, respectively, highlighting the role of butyryl group metabolism in the specificity of butyrate production. Carboxylesterase assays have demonstrated that butyryl group metabolism is primarily facilitated by carbohydrate esterases expressed in the gut microbiota. Combined with 16S rRNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, it was found that butyrylated starch fermentation did not significantly enhance traditional butyrate synthesis pathways but modified the balance between the butyryl-CoA:acetyl-CoA transferase and butyrate kinase pathways by altering the gut microbiota composition, specifically by upregulating the relative abundance of indicator species such as Bacteroides, the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Parabacteroides. These insights offer theoretical guidance for designing butyrylated starch structures and regulating intestinal health.

Starch↗

PubMed2006

An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest.

The worldwide obesity epidemic is stimulating efforts to identify host and environmental factors that affect energy balance. Comparisons of the distal gut microbiota of genetically obese mice and their lean littermates, as well as those of obese and lean human volunteers have revealed that obesity is associated with changes in the relative abundance of the two dominant bacterial divisions, the Bacteroidetes and the Firmicutes. Here we demonstrate through metagenomic and biochemical analyses that these changes affect the metabolic potential of the mouse gut microbiota. Our results indicate that the obese microbiome has an increased capacity to harvest energy from the diet. Furthermore, this trait is transmissible: colonization of germ-free mice with an 'obese microbiota' results in a significantly greater increase in total body fat than colonization with a 'lean microbiota'. These results identify the gut microbiota as an additional contributing factor to the pathophysiology of obesity.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Sex-Dependent Microbial and Host Profiles Following Fecal Microbiota and Bifidobacterium longum Treatment in Stress-Induced Gut Dysbiosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder influenced by stress, microbial dysbiosis, and immune activation. Microbiota-directed therapies, including fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics, show promise, but their sex-specific effects remain unclear. We compared the therapeutic effects of lyophilized fecal microbiota (LFM) with Bifidobacterium longum BBH016 in male and female Wistar rats subjected to repeated water avoidance stress. METHODS: Fecal pellet output (FPO), colonic mast cell infiltration, and fecal short-chain fatty acids were measured. Gut microbial composition and function were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway prediction. RESULTS: Both interventions significantly reduced FPO and mast cell infiltration in males but had less pronounced effects in females. Microbiota analyses revealed sex-dependent responses, with distinct microbial trajectories in each treatment group. Using linear discriminant analysis effect size, we identified seven key taxa with treatment- or sex-specific enrichment. Alistipes onderdonkii and Bacteroides uniformis consistently increased in both LFM- and B. longum-treated groups, regardless of sex. Bacteroides finegoldii and Barnesiella intestinihominis were specifically enriched in the LFM group. In males, Blautia faecis and Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans were enriched following the interventions, whereas Parabacteroides goldsteinii appeared exclusively in stressed males. Functional predictions revealed the enrichment of estrogen signaling and bile acid pathways in males and the attenuation of proinflammatory pathways in females following LFM. Correlations between microbial taxa and host outcomes were predominantly observed in male rats. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight sex-specific microbial and host responses to microbiota-targeted therapies in a stress-induced IBS model, emphasizing sex as a biological variable in designing personalized microbiome-based treatments.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Multi-omics insights into the physiological mechanisms of bile acid accumulation in the gallbladder in brumation-like snakes.

Hibernation/brumation represents an important physiological adaptation for animals to cope with seasonal environmental changes. Field observations suggested increased gallbladder weight in the Five-pacer viper (Deinagkistrodon acutus) during brumation, and our quantitative measurements confirmed this increase together with bile acid accumulation. By integrating a multi-omic approach, this study elucidates the regulatory mechanisms of bile acid accumulation in the gallbladder during brumation. Results showed that taurocholic acid (TCA) and taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) were the major components in the gallbladder of the brumation-like group, with significantly elevated concentrations of bile acids, whereas bile acid concentrations in serum and intestinal contents were markedly reduced, indicating suppression of the enterohepatic circulation and consequent accumulation of bile acids in the gallbladder. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis revealed significant downregulation of bile acid synthesis and regulatory genes in brumation-like snakes. In contrast, the alternative synthesis pathway gene sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) and some transporter genes were slightly upregulated. Further, some modification genes and regulatory genes showed no significant differences between active and brumation-like states. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrated Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, and Citrobacter freundii were more enriched in the active group, which were common microbes related to bile acid metabolism, and the correlation analysis confirmed this relationship. Taken together, these findings indicate that the "physiological bile acid accumulation" observed in snakes during brumation-like state is jointly driven by suppressed hepatic synthesis, reduced enterohepatic circulation, and remodeled microbial community structure. The study provides novel comparative physiological insights into extreme metabolic homeostasis in animals.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Pseudomonas aeruginosa adaptation and persistence in the aspergilloma microbiome revealed by integrated multi-omics.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis involves the formation of a fungal ball (aspergilloma) in lung cavities. Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly co-colonizes these lesions; however, the in vivo mechanisms underlying its persistence are unknown. Using a multi-omics approach on resected aspergillomas, we defined the genomic, transcriptional, and metabolic adaptations of P. aeruginosa within this polymicrobial niche. We reconstructed high-quality P. aeruginosa genomes and identified a conserved core genome, along with accessory genes for secondary metabolism, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. Phylogenomics revealed heterogeneous evolutionary paths among co-colonizing strains. Metatranscriptomics showed stark physiological heterogeneity, from metabolically aggressive to stress-adapted states. High expression of phenazine, quorum-sensing (PQS), siderophore, and secretion-system operons was corroborated by metabolomic detection of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and 2-heptylquinolin-4(1H)-one, confirming active bacterial antagonism in vivo. Concurrent Aspergillus fumigatus transcriptomics revealed the activation of oxidative stress responses, secondary metabolism (eg fumagillin), and iron scavenging, demonstrating reciprocal competition. Host transcriptomics revealed patient-specific immune signatures that correlated with the metabolic activity of the co-colonizers. This work provides an integrated systems-level analysis of the tri-kingdom aspergilloma ecosystem. P. aeruginosa persistence is driven by genomic plasticity and context-dependent expression of competitive pathways, shaped within a chronic inflammatory environment. These findings redefine aspergillomas as active polymicrobial consortia, establishing a framework for targeting resilient microbial communities in chronic lung disease.

Multiomics↗

PubMed2026

Characterization of the gut phageome and functional genes carried by phages in laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota is closely associated with the development of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS); however, the function of its viral component, particularly bacteriophages, remains poorly understood. This study compared clinical parameters and the cecal phageome between 30-week-old (W30) and 50-week-old (W50) laying hens to characterize gut phages in the context of this metabolic disorder. RESULTS: Clinical analysis revealed that the W50 group exhibited typical FLHS, accompanied by elevated serum liver function and lipid markers (P < 0.05). Functional prediction of the gut microbiota suggested a reduced lipid-metabolic capacity in W50 compared to the W30 group. A total of 20,274 phage genomes were identified from the two groups. These phages were primarily classified into 67 viral families, including Salasmaviridae, Herelleviridae, Suoliviridae, Peduoviridae, Crevaviridae, and Casjensviridae. The families Druskaviridae, Felixviridae, and Stanwilliamsviridae were uniquely detected in the W50 group. The phage community structure differed significantly between groups, with both phage diversity and richness markedly lower in W50 (P < 0.05). LEfSe analysis revealed that phage taxa such as Stegnyidae, Herpelidae, and Chasovidae were significantly enriched in the W50 group, whereas Crewdviridae, Salasmaviridae, and Castroviridae were predominantly enriched in the W30 group. Functional annotation showed that these phages encode numerous metabolism-related genes and carry antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) as well as virulence factor genes. Notably, the diversity of ARGs carried by W50 phages was significantly higher (P < 0.05), and ARG-rank analysis indicated a greater potential risk to human health. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first characterization of the gut phageome associated with FLHS in laying hens and confirms that gut phages constitute an important reservoir of ARGs. These findings offer a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of this disease and its associated public health risks. Video Abstract.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Host genetics predominates over gut microbiota in serum copper levels in boars.

Copper is an essential trace element in numerous biological processes; maintaining its homeostasis is crucial for pig health and productivity. In this study, we employed a mixed-effects model to investigate the contributions of host genetics, gut microbiota, and their interactions with serum copper levels in pigs. We further explored potential candidate genes and microbiota associated with copper metabolism. The results demonstrated that host genetics exert a dominant influence on serum copper regulation compared to the effects of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, genome-wide association analysis identified 4 candidate genes, CPHL1, CP, NCEH1, and PDE10A, strongly linked to copper metabolism. By applying multiple association approaches, 10 bacterial genera, such as Blautia, Lachnospiraceae UCG-008, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-007 were found to be significantly correlated with serum copper levels. This research offers novel insights into the genetic and microbial determinants of copper variation in pigs, establishing a foundation for future genetic and microbiota-based strategies aimed at enhancing copper homeostasis and overall livestock health.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and host metabolite-immune crosstalk drives the pathogenesis of neonatal lupus erythematosus: a multi-omics analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a rare autoimmune condition triggered by the transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies. Despite its recognized clinical manifestations, the underlying pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. This study seeks to explore the disruption of the gut microbiota-host metabolism-immune axis in anti-Ro/La-positive neonates, and to assess its potential role in the development of NLE. METHODS: This multicenter, cross-sectional study included 90 neonates, divided into three groups: 30 with neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE), 30 with positive antibodies but without clinical manifestations (No-NLE), and 30 healthy controls. We performed 16 S rRNA sequencing to analyze gut microbiota composition, untargeted plasma metabolomic profiling, and proteomic analysis to identify alterations associated with the pathogenesis of NLE. RESULTS: We identified significant alterations in the gut microbiota, plasma metabolome, and proteome profiles of anti-Ro/La-positive neonates. NLE infants exhibited marked enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae and depletion of Bifidobacterium and Clostridium butyricum. Metabolomic analysis revealed hyperactivation of β-alanine and purine metabolism, along with impaired α-linolenic acid metabolism and endocannabinoid signaling. Proteomic profiling indicated aberrant protein expression that modulated IFN signaling, particularly within the C-type lectin receptor pathway. Dysregulation of the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and high-affinity immunoglobulin epsilon receptor subunit gamma (FCER1G) decoupling was observed, correlating with elevated IFN-α and NF-κB p65 levels. Integrated correlation analysis revealed significant associations among differential microbial taxa, plasma metabolites, and proteins. Notably, E. coli-associated metabolites and proteins displayed inverse relationships with those associated with C. butyricum. CONCLUSIONS: These findings represent comprehensive evidence of dysregulation along the "gut microbiota-host metabolism-immune" axis in neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE), providing novel insights into the disease's underlying heterogeneity.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

16S rRNA and Metagenomic Datasets of Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Fetal and 7-Day-Old Goat Kids.

The perinatal period (from late gestation to the neonatal stage) in ruminants is a critical phase for fetal organ maturation, where ecological succession of gastrointestinal microbial communities significantly impacts livestock production efficiency. However, research remains insufficient regarding the distribution patterns and functional annotation of microbial communities across different gastrointestinal compartments during this period. This study characterized early microbiota dynamics in Hutianshi Goats using 16S rRNA sequencing (4 fetal goats at 90 ± 10 gestational days) and metagenomics (3 7-day-old goat kids). The fetal goat group generated 852,694 valid reads, yielding 688,277 high-quality reads after chimera removal for downstream analysis. The 7-day-old goat kids group produced 1,081,588,182 final valid reads, after data processing and assembly, 8,561,345 contigs were generated. Gene prediction identified 6,095,352 genes. Multi-database annotations (NR, KEGG, CAZy, etc.) revealed functional potential and antimicrobial resistance traits. The public release of this dataset facilitates academic understanding of microbial community dynamics and host-microbe interactions during this developmental stage, providing both theoretical foundations and data resources for ruminant developmental biology and precision breeding regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

[Mechanism of Tianshu Capsules in treating migraine rats based on gut microbiota].

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Tianshu Capsules(TS) on migraine rat model and explore its potential mechanism of action from the perspectives of the structure of the gut microbiota and functional pathway regulation. A migraine rat model was established via subcutaneous injection of nitroglycerin. The Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a low-dose TS group, a medium-dose TS group, a high-dose TS group, and an ibuprofen group. The efficacy of TS in improving migraine was evaluated by general condition observation and measurement of the craniofacial pain threshold. The expression of the gene c-fos in the trigeminal ganglion was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The contents of endothelin-1(ET-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Fecal samples were subjected to metagenomic sequencing for systematic analysis of gut microbial diversity, taxonomic composition difference, and functional pathway changes of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and their correlations with behavioral and biochemical indices were further evaluated. The results show that TS significantly improves the increased body temperature and decreased craniofacial pain threshold in migraine rats. It also markedly suppresses the elevated expression levels of the gene c-fos in the trigeminal ganglion and reduces the levels of ET-1, CGRP, and 5-HT in serum. Metagenomic beta diversity analysis and differential taxonomic abundance analysis reveal that the migraine model induces significant gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by enrichment of harmful genera, including Streptococcus and Enterococcus, as well as a decline in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Allobaculum, Eubacterium, and Muribaculum. Functional pathway analysis results of KEGG further reveal that the relative abundances of pathways associated with biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, bacterial secretion system, citrate cycle, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites are significantly decreased in the model group. TS intervention increased the abundance of the genus, such as Parabacteroides, Eubacterium, Allobaculum, and Muribaculum, while decreasing levels of microbiota, including Staphylococcus. TS also significantly upregulated pathways associated with barrier function(tight junction), amino acid biosynthesis pathways, and biosynthesis pathways of neurotransmitter precursors such as cysteine and methionine metabolism. In addition, it downregulated inflammatory pathways(Toll and IMD signaling) and pathways related to Staphylococcus aureus infection, thereby restoring the structure and function of the microbiota to a state close to those of the normal group. Spearman correlation analysis reveals that partial gut microbiota are significantly associated with migraine-related behavioral and biochemical indices(c-fos, ET-1, CGRP, and 5-HT). In conclusion, TS can regulate the disrupted gut microbiota structure and microbial functions related to neurotransmitter metabolism, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory regulation in migraine model rats, which may be one of the potential key ways through which TS exert its anti-migraine effect.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Toxoplasma gondii infection disrupts secondary bile acid transformation in feline gut microbiota.

UNLABELLED: Bile acid (BA) transformation relies on gut microbiota and is vulnerable to Toxoplasma gondii infection, yet feline microbial BA-transforming capacity upon toxoplasmosis remains unclear. Here, we constructed a catalog of 2,474 nonredundant feline gut microbial genomes and integrated serum metabolomic data to verify BA transformation alterations. The results revealed that the feline gut microbiome harbored widespread genetic potential for BA transformation but lacked a complete 7α-dehydroxylation pathway due to the absence of the key gene baiE. The BA transformation-related genomes (2,045 in total) were predominantly from the phyla Bacillota_A and Actinomycetota, among which only 37 encoded baiB, all belonging to Bacillota_A. The distribution of BA transformation-related genes varied across intestinal regions: genes encoding 7α-HSDH were primarily enriched in the small intestine, whereas genes encoding 3α-HSDH, baiCD, and baiH were more abundant in the large intestine. Additionally, the abundance of genes encoding BSH and 3α-HSDH increased significantly in the small intestine on day 3 post-infection, accompanied by increases in the phylum Bacillota_C and genera such as Blautia_A, Enterococcus_E, and Ligilactobacillus. Serum metabolomics revealed a significant increase in cholesterol levels post-infection, supporting the impact of T. gondii infection on intestinal BA transformation. These findings illustrated that the feline gut microbiota played an important role in BA transformation and that T. gondii infection disrupted the microbial potential for secondary BA transformation. This study provided new insights into gut microbiota-associated metabolic perturbations during feline toxoplasmosis. IMPORTANCE: Bile acid (BA) transformation plays a critical role in host metabolism and immune regulation. Although studies on BA transformation are increasing, the capacity for BA transformation within the feline gut microbiota and the impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on this capacity remain unclear. To bridge this gap, we constructed a catalog of 2,474 nonredundant feline gut microbial genomes and integrated serum metabolomic data to verify BA transformation alterations. Our findings revealed that the feline gut microbiome lacked a complete 7α-dehydroxylation pathway, and the specific functions involved in BA transformation may differ between the small and large intestines. Furthermore, integrated metagenomic and serum metabolomic analyses suggested that T. gondii infection disrupted BA transformation capacity in the small intestine. This study provided new insights into gut microbiota-associated metabolic perturbations during feline toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii↗

PubMed2024

Pangenomes of human gut microbiota uncover links between genetic diversity and stress response.

The genetic diversity of the gut microbiota has a central role in host health. Here, we created pangenomes for 728 human gut prokaryotic species, quadrupling the genes of strain-specific genomes. Each of these species has a core set of a thousand genes, differing even between closely related species, and an accessory set of genes unique to the different strains. Functional analysis shows high strain variability associates with sporulation, whereas low variability is linked with antibiotic resistance. We further map the antibiotic resistome across the human gut population and find 237 cases of extreme resistance even to last-resort antibiotics, with a predominance among Enterobacteriaceae. Lastly, the presence of specific genes in the microbiota relates to host age and sex. Our study underscores the genetic complexity of the human gut microbiota, emphasizing its significant implications for host health. The pangenomes and antibiotic resistance map constitute a valuable resource for further research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Integrated analysis of gut microbiota, serum metabolomics, and proteomics reveals novel associations with clinical symptoms in patients with cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral infarction (CI) is a major cause of adult disability and mortality worldwide. Mounting evidence supports the critical role of the gut-brain axis in cerebrovascular disease progression. This study aimed to characterize the alterations in gut microbiota, serum metabolome, and serum proteome in patients with CI, and to identify multi-omics signatures associated with clinical symptoms. METHODS: A total of 20 CI patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Fecal microbiota was profiled using 16 S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. Serum metabolomics and proteomics were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics, respectively. Spearman correlation and multi-omics integration were applied to explore the associations among microbiota, metabolites, proteins, and clinical indicators. RESULTS: CI patients displayed significant gut microbiota dysbiosis, with a markedly lower gut microbiota health index (GMHI) and higher microbiota disorder index (MDI) compared with HC (P < 0.001). The genera g_norank_o_RF39 and Oxalobacter were significantly enriched in CI patients, whereas Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Agathobacter were enriched in HC. Metabolomic analysis identified 445 differential metabolites, mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and caffeine metabolism. Proteomic analysis revealed 140 differentially expressed proteins linked to inflammatory responses, calcium signaling, and NF-κB signaling. Multi-omics integration showed that signature gut microbiota was strongly correlated (P < 0.005) with key serum metabolites and proteins implicated in CI pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: This integrated multi-omics study revealed distinct gut microbiota, serum metabolomic, and proteomic alterations in CI patients. The microbiota-metabolite-protein regulatory axes provide novel insights into the gut-brain axis in CI and may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Humans↗

PubMed2024

Contaminant-degrading bacteria are super carriers of antibiotic resistance genes in municipal landfills: A metagenomics-based study.

Municipal landfills are hotspot sources of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and are also important habitats of contaminant-degrading bacteria. However, high diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfills hinders assessing AMR risks in the affected environment. More concerned, whether there is co-selection or enrichment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and contaminant-degrading bacteria in these extremely polluted environments is far less understood. Here, we collected metagenomic datasets of 32 raw leachate and 45 solid waste samples in 22 municipal landfills of China. The antibiotic resistome, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and contaminant-degrading bacteria were explored, and were then compared with other environmental types. Results showed that the antibiotic resistome in landfills contained 1,403 ARG subtypes, with the total abundance over the levels in natural environments and reaching the levels in human feces and sewage. Therein, 49 subtypes were listed as top priority ARGs for future surveillance based on the criteria of enrichment in landfills, mobilizable and present in pathogens. By comparing to those in less contaminated river environments, we elucidated an enrichment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with contaminant-degrading potentials in landfills. Bacteria in Pseudomonadaceae, Moraxellaceae, Xanthomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae deserved the most concerns since 72.2 % of ARG hosts were classified to them. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter nosocomialis and Escherichia coli were abundant multidrug-resistant pathogenic species in raw leachate (∼10.2 % of total microbiomes), but they rarely carried contaminant-degradation genes. Notably, several bacterial genera belonging to Pseudomonadaceae had the most antibiotic-resistant, pathogenic, and contaminant-degrading potentials than other bacteria. Overall, the findings highlight environmental selection for contaminant-degrading antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and provide significant insights into AMR risks in municipal landfills.

Metagenomics↗

PubMed2026

Global lessons from antibiotic resistance: Metformin-hydrolysing genes in transposable elements, a new threat for type II diabetic patients?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the evolutionary origin, genomic mobility, and potential dissemination of metformin-hydrolysing genes (mfmAB), and to assess whether environmental selection by metformin pollution may drive the emergence of transferable pharmaceutical-degrading traits analogous to antibiotic resistance. METHODS: Large-scale comparative genomics was performed using publicly available bacterial genomes carrying mfmAB homologs. Phylogenomic reconstruction, average nucleotide identity analysis, genomic context comparison, plasmid characterization, and insertion sequence mapping were used to infer evolutionary history and identify mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer. RESULTS: mfmAB homologs were identified in twelve Aminobacter and three Pseudomonas genomes within a conserved ∼8.2 kb gene cluster. Phylogenomic analyses showed that metformin-degrading capacity emerged independently in multiple Aminobacter lineages across distinct continents, consistent with convergent evolution under anthropogenic selective pressure. Genomic comparisons indicated a chromosomal origin of mfmAB, followed by mobilization onto conjugative plasmids through IS1182-mediated transposition. In Pseudomonas, additional IS3/IS6-mediated transposition events integrated mfmAB into diverse plasmid backbones, frequently within composite transposons also encoding guanylurea and biguanide degradation pathways (guuH, bguH). These findings reveal a dynamic modular assembly of metabolic functions facilitating adaptation to pharmaceutical pollutants. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin pollution appears to promote the emergence and mobilization of pharmaceutical-degrading genes through mechanisms paralleling antibiotic resistance evolution. Although no clinical impact has yet been demonstrated, the potential spread of such genes into human-associated microbiomes and their possible co-selection with antibiotic resistance determinants represent an emerging One Health concern. Environmental surveillance of pharmaceutical-degrading genes is warranted to anticipate future threats to drug efficacy.

Convergent evolution↗

PubMed2026

Integrated immunoinformatics for the design of novel multi-epitope vaccine and identification of new drug targets against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a multidrug-resistant superbug.

BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen causing severe hospital-acquired infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. The absence of an effective vaccine and rising antibiotic resistance underscore the need for novel interventions. This study employed an integrated reverse vaccinology and computational analyses to identify new immunogenic targets, design a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV), and propose potential drug targets. METHODS: A comprehensive immunoinformatics pipeline was employed to assess antigenicity, allergenicity, human similarity, and physicochemical properties of S. maltophilia proteins. Both B- and T-cell epitopes were screened; however, only the top B-cell epitopes were selected for MEV construction, given the extracellular nature of S. maltophilia. MEV-TLR interactions were analyzed through molecular docking and dynamics simulations. In parallel, cytoplasmic proteins were screened via a subtractive genomics approach to identify essential, non-human homologous, and non-microbiome-similar proteins, which were further evaluated for druggability and interaction networks to propose novel therapeutic targets. RESULTS: From a total of 4111 proteins, seven potential immunogenic targets were identified: GspD (WP_108270537.1), FhuE (WP_049451370.1), fimbrial protein (WP_012479122.1), TonB-dependent receptor (WP_169448402.1), TolC family protein (WP_108270106.1), autotransporter beta-barrel OMP (WP_169448945.1), and a hypothetical protein (WP_005407892.1). Subsequently, an MEV was designed using five immunogenic epitopes derived from four of these targets: WP_005407892.1 (ADQDSSNM), WP_049451370.1 (SGKAEQ and GEESKTPS), WP_108270537.1 (GVTSTQSDSERT), and WP_169448945.1 (RELGGDRNE). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated strong, stable, and feasible interactions between the MEV and TLR-2 and TLR-4 receptors. Moreover, nine novel drug targets were predicted for S. maltophilia, providing new therapeutic insights. CONCLUSION: The designed MEV and identified immunogenic targets represent promising vaccine candidates against S. maltophilia. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are essential to confirm their safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy. Additionally, subtractive genomics analysis revealed nine novel, non-homologous drug targets, offering safer and more specific therapeutic avenues.

Drug targets↗

PubMed2026

Gut microbiota and metabolic alterations in participants with flatulence identify Faecalibacterium prausnitzii as a key microbial target for clinical intervention.

Flatulence is closely associated with gut dysbiosis, yet the characteristic microbial signatures, metabolic alterations, and actionable intervention targets remain unclear. This limited mechanistic understanding has hindered the development of precise microbiota-based strategies for managing flatulence. Here, we found that participants with flatulence exhibited marked shifts in gut microbial functions and fecal metabolic profiles compared with healthy controls, characterized by enhanced abnormal fermentation, enrichment of oxidative stress-related functions, elevated low-grade inflammatory signatures, and reduced anti-inflammatory and mucosal-protective metabolic features. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was significantly negatively associated with the high-gas-producing phenotype. In vitro replenishment experiments further validated the role of F. prausnitzii in reducing gas production, promoting butyrate generation, and remodeling butyrate-associated microbial communities. Based on microbial interaction analysis, we identified Bifidobacterium longum CCFM1319 as a candidate strain for targeting F. prausnitzii. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, supplementation with B. longum CCFM1319 significantly increased intestinal F. prausnitzii abundance and improved flatulence-related symptoms. Collectively, these findings reveal the microbiota and metabolic dysbiosis underlying flatulence, highlight the key regulatory role of F. prausnitzii, and lays the foundation for targeted microbiota-based intervention strategies for flatulence.

Humans↗