Spatial analysis of gut microbiome reveals a distinct ecological niche associated with the mucus layer.

ABSTRACT: Mucus-associated bacterial communities are critical for determining disease pathology and promoting colonization resistance. Yet the key ecological properties of mucus resident communities remain poorly defined. Using an approach that combines in situ hybridization, laser microdissection and 16s rRNA sequencing of spatially distinct regions of the mouse gut lumen, we discovered that a dense microbial community resembling a biofilm is embedded in the mucus layer. The mucus-associated biofilm-like community excluded bacteria belonging to phylum Proteobacteria. Additionally, it was significantly more diverse and consisted of bacterial species that were unique to it. By employing germ-free mice deficient in T and B lymphocytes we found that formation of biofilm-like structure was indepe

SUBMITTER: Duncan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8253138 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature