A widespread hydrogenase supports fermentative growth of gut bacteria in healthy people.

ABSTRACT: Disruption of hydrogen (H₂) cycling in the gut is linked to gastrointestinal disorders, infections and cancers. However, the mechanisms and microorganisms controlling H₂ production in the gut remain unresolved. Here we show that gut H₂ production is primarily driven by the microbial group B [FeFe]-hydrogenase. Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics of stool and tissue biopsy samples show that hydrogenase-encoding genes are widely present and transcribed in gut bacteria. Assessment of 19 taxonomically diverse gut isolates revealed that the group B [FeFe]-hydrogenases produce large amounts of H₂ gas and support fermentative growth of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Further biochemical and spectroscopic characterization of purified enzymes show that the

SUBMITTER: Welsh C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12578642 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature