Recombinant Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Protein MraZ (mraZ)

General Information on Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium that is a prominent member of the human gut microbiota, particularly in the large intestine . It plays a crucial role in the breakdown of complex polysaccharides, which are indigestible by humans, and contributes to gut health through various mechanisms .

• It dominates the intestinal microbiome and aids in the formation of the mucosal barrier in the intestine, which is essential for maintaining host-microbiota homeostasis .

• B. thetaiotaomicron's ability to grow on host-derived polysaccharides in mucus helps it persist in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) .

• It can also produce lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that can modulate the host's innate immunity .

Role in Immune Response

B. thetaiotaomicron plays a significant role in modulating the immune response in the gut .

• It exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties through the production of extracellular vesicles .

• It promotes the induction of regulatory T cells, which are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing excessive inflammatory responses .

• Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from B. thetaiotaomicron stimulate colonic dendritic cells (DCs) to express IL-10 in a healthy gut . IL-10 stimulates T-cells and is expressed via the innate immune system through macrophages and DCs .

Metabolic Flexibility and Adaptation

B. thetaiotaomicron exhibits metabolic flexibility, allowing it to adapt to different conditions in the gut. Research indicates that it can utilize different monosaccharides, such as rhamnose, leading to unique metabolic byproducts and stress responses .

• When B. thetaiotaomicron metabolizes rhamnose, it results in a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating improved resistance to oxidative stress .

• Rhamnose consumption leads to the production of substantial quantities of 1,2-propanediol, differing from glucose metabolism .

• The rhamnose metabolism regulator RhaR enhances survival in oxygen-rich conditions by reducing hydrogen peroxide production .

Recombinant Proteins in B. thetaiotaomicron

While specific details on recombinant MraZ protein are not available, Bacteroides species, including B. thetaiotaomicron, are being explored for heterologous protein secretion, making them promising chassis for biotechnological applications . Genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology can be employed to produce specific proteins of interest in B. thetaiotaomicron.

Relevant Research Findings

• RNA-binding protein RbpB: RbpB in B. thetaiotaomicron acts as a global RNA binder and is essential for efficient colonization of the mammalian intestine in a diet-dependent manner .

• Expanded Transcriptome Atlas: An expanded transcriptome atlas for B. thetaiotaomicron provides valuable insights into gene expression and regulation under various conditions, which can be helpful in understanding the functions of specific proteins .

• B. thetaiotaomicron in IBD Models: B. thetaiotaomicron has shown efficacy in preclinical models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), protecting against weight loss and histopathological changes in the colon .

Potential Implications and Future Research

Although direct information on MraZ is not available, understanding the function and interactions of proteins in B. thetaiotaomicron can provide insights into its role in gut health and potential therapeutic applications. Future research could focus on:

• Identifying and characterizing novel proteins like MraZ in B. thetaiotaomicron and their functions.

• Investigating the potential of using recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron to deliver therapeutic proteins or modulate the gut microbiota.

• Exploring the role of specific proteins in the context of gut homeostasis, immune modulation, and metabolic processes.

Table 1: Effects of Rhamnose Metabolism on Oxidative Stress Response in B. thetaiotaomicron

Table 2: Role of B. thetaiotaomicron in Gut Health and Immune Modulation