In a recent study published in Science, researchers from the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel modified bacteria such that they function as data loggers for information on gene activity. They then worked with scientists from the University Hospital of Bern and the University of Bern to test these bacteria on mice. This is an important step towards using sensor bacteria in medicine in the future for applications such as diagnosing malnutrition and understanding which diets are good for an individual. [1]

Figure 1. Bacteria with recording function capture gut health status

Figure 1 shows the data logger function was developed over the past few years by researchers led by Randall Platt, Professor of Biological Engineering at ETH Zurich. To do this, they employed the CRISPR-Cas mechanism, which is a type of immune system present naturally in many bacterial species. If the bacteria are attacked by viruses, they can incorporate snippets of the viral DNA or RNA into a section of their own genome called the CRISPR array. This lets the bacteria “remember” viruses with which they have had contact, allowing them to fight off a future viral attack with greater speed.

Obtaining information without disturbing the body

Next, researchers from University Hospital of Bern and the University of Bern, led by Andrew Macpherson, administered these modified gut bacteria to mice in the lab. They collected faecal samples from the animals and isolated the bacterial DNA, which they then analysed using high-throughput DNA sequencing. [2]

Determining dietary status

"Bacteria are very good at registering environmental conditions and adapting their metabolism to new circumstances such as dietary changes," Macpherson says. In experiments with mice that were given different foods, the researchers were able to show how the bacteria adapted their metabolism to the respective nutrient supply.

Distinguishing different bacteria

The current research published in the journal Science includes a scientific development that enables the researchers to distinguish two strains of bacteria from each other based on individual genetic "barcodes." In the future, this will make it possible to investigate in laboratory animals the function of gene mutations in bacteria.

Safe application possible

The researchers have filed patent applications for the method itself and for the characteristic RNA profiles that are signatures of certain nutritional molecules and indicators of intestinal health. [3]

References:

1. https://www.labroots.com/trending/microbiology/22749/bacteria-recording-function-capture-gut-health-status-2
2. https://techilive.in/bacteria-with-recording-function-capture-gut-health-status/
3. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220512144328.htm

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Bacteria with recording function capture gut health status, Anatechmaz, pp.47