Gut microbiota from primates with larger brains promotes glucose production and energy allocation for brain function, shedding light on metabolic strategies in evolution.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Dec 4 2024 Research ers reveal how gut microbes shape metabolic strategies to fuel larger brains, offering a glimpse into the evolutionary biology of primates.
Background Distinct microbial pathways: High-brain-to-body-size species exhibited enhanced microbial pathways for fucose and pyruvate metabolism, driving energy production, while low-brain-to-body-size species favored energy storage pathways like butanoate fermentation. About the Study In the present study, the scientists hypothesized that differences in the gut microbiota mediate metabolic strategies and balance the energy needs for brain function against those for growth and maintenance in primates with varying brain sizes. The researchers conducted an experiment using germ-free mice to investigate how the gut microbiome influences metabolism in hosts with different brain sizes.
The researchers also used metagenomic and metabolomic analyses to identify specific microbial pathways and metabolites contributing to host metabolic traits. High-resolution imaging and ribonucleic acid sequencing of liver tissues provided insights into organ-specific metabolic responses. The microbial composition in the mouse gut was analyzed through 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing, while metagenomic techniques quantified SCFA production and microbial functional pathways.
Furthermore, the mice with microbiota from species with greater brain size consumed more food but displayed lower body fat percentages and slower weight gain. Elevated levels of SCFAs, such as acetate and propionate, were also observed in these mice, suggesting a microbial contribution to increased glucose production and reduced fat storage.
Evolution Microbiome Fasting Food Genomics Gluconeogenesis Glucose Glucose Metabolism Imaging Liver Metabolism Metabolites Research Ribonucleic Acid
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