Overview of Lachnospiraceae

The intricate polymicrobial ecosystem of the human gut microbiota is pivotal in maintaining health and modulating disease. Central to this microbial community, Lachnospiraceae colonize the intestinal lumen from birth, with their species diversity and relative abundance expanding throughout the host's lifespan. While Lachnospiraceae are recognized as significant producers of short-chain fatty acids, different taxa within this family are also implicated in a range of both intra- and extraintestinal pathologies. The influence of Lachnospiraceae on host physiology varies across studies, reflecting inconsistencies in their role. Currently, Lachnospiraceae are cataloged as encompassing 58 genera alongside several unclassified strains. Within this family, the genera Blautia, Coprococcus, Dorea, Lachnospira, Oribacterium, Roseburia, and L-Ruminococcus (Ruminococcus assigned to Lachnospiraceae) have been prominently identified in the human intestine through metagenomic analyses. All Lachnospiraceae members are anaerobic, fermentative, and chemoorganotrophic, with some exhibiting pronounced hydrolytic capabilities.

Empowering Health Through Gut Insight: Unraveling Obesity with Lachnospiraceae

The Lachnospiraceae family plays a pivotal role within the human gut microbiota, influencing health and disease through its involvement in a spectrum of pathologies. The precise impact of Lachnospiraceae on host physiology remains variable across different studies. Due to its critical importance, Protheragen helps clients perform extensive colonization studies with Lachnospiraceae using our mouse models, including mice, to investigate the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and obesity. We maintain a biobank of human-derived Lachnospiraceae, introduce these bacteria into germ-free mice, and rigorously evaluate their effects on body weight, fat composition, and metabolic indicators. This thorough methodology encompasses a detailed assessment of physiological and biochemical changes to elucidate the impact of Lachnospiraceae on obesity and associated health conditions.

• Mouse Model Development and Management

  Our service features a high-standard animal model system, with a focus on obese (ob/ob), and normal mouse models. Our specialization encompasses the precise selection, breeding, and oversight of these models to align with the highest scientific benchmarks. The ob/ob mice, characterized by their inherent genetic inclination towards obesity, are instrumental in investigating metabolic anomalies, obesity-related pathologies, and potential therapeutic solutions. These models are kept under meticulously controlled environmental conditions to ensure research outcomes are both consistent and dependable.

• Strain Cultivation

  We have established the human gut Lachnospiraceae biobank (hLchsp) by isolating strains from fecal samples of healthy adults. This leads to the creation of a collection encompassing 77 species across 33 genera, with Lachnospira, Blautia, and Roseburia emerging as the most prevalent genera. Clients may choose from a range of Lachnospiraceae family from them.

• Lachnospiraceae Colonization

  In our study, the bacteria are introduced into the gut of germ-free mice through specific feeding techniques, such as gavage. Upon entering the gut, the bacteria must adapt to the gut's environment, which encompasses factors such as temperature, pH, nutrient availability, oxygen levels, and competition with other microorganisms. These bacteria utilize available nutrients for growth and reproduction, progressively establishing a stable community within the gut.

• Colonization Determination

  Following colonization, we collect the cecum, liver, adipose tissue, and blood from the mice after a 16-hour fasting period. We assess the gut microbiota of the cecal contents from all three groups using T-RFLP analysis.

• Impact Analysis on Mouse Model

  After successful customization, we gain access to comprehensive data.

  • Body weight: We routinely monitor the weight fluctuations of mice as the most direct method to assess obesity levels. Weight gain is a prominent indicator of obesity. By comparing the body weight changes of mice before and after the colonization of Lachnospiraceae, we preliminarily determine the impact of this bacterium on the mice's weight.
  • Body fat percentage: The body fat percentage, which represents the proportion of fat mass relative to total body weight, offers a more precise reflection of obesity severity. We calculate body fat percentage by dissecting the mice and measuring the fat weight of various body parts.
  • Lees index: The Lees index is a commonly used metric for evaluating obesity in mice. It is computed based on the ratio of body weight to body length, reflecting changes in the mice's body shape. This index helps us quantify the extent of obesity and track morphological alterations.

  We also evaluate physiological and biochemical indicators.

  • Blood glucose levels: Investigating the effect of Lachnospiraceae colonization on blood glucose levels in mice helps us understand the relationship between this bacterium and glucose metabolism.
  • Lipid profile: This includes total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These measures reflect the body's lipid metabolism status and are crucial for assessing lipid metabolic disturbances caused by obesity.
  • Metabolic phenotyping analysis: Through our service, clients gain access to comprehensive metabolic phenotyping data, including, insulin and glucagon levels, and indices such as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-β). We offer various analytical tools and assay kits to ensure data accuracy and reproducibility.

Workflow

By delving into these bacteria, scientists aim to elucidate their role in energy balance, fat metabolism, and the underlying mechanisms of obesity. These findings serve as foundational data and scientific rationale for the development of anti-obesity therapies.

Publication Data

Applications

• Our services can be used to delve into the roles of Lachnospiraceae on metabolic pathways related to obesity, revealing its role in weight gain and fat accumulation.
• Our services can be applied to assessing the potential of manipulating Lachnospiraceae abundance to control weight and fat accumulation, leading to novel obesity intervention strategies.
• Our services utilize Lachnospiraceae as a target for drug development, aiding in the discovery and refinement of therapies for obesity.

Advantages

• Our research team has extensive experience in the creation and administration of high-quality animal models, achieved through rigorous selection, controlled breeding, and comprehensive management.
• We will conduct a comprehensive service on the mouse model to understand how Lachnospiraceae influences various physiological and biochemical parameters.
• We provide precise and reproducible data, encompassing a variety of analytical tools and assay kits to guarantee the utmost quality of results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota?

The key is to implement a holistic plan that involves making changes to your diet, such as increasing fiber intake and reducing the consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods. Additionally, it's important to engage in regular moderate physical activity and limit the overuse of antibiotics. Furthermore, one might consider appropriate probiotic or prebiotic supplements to support the maintenance of gut microbiota equilibrium tailored to individual requirements.

What are the risks associated with obesity?

Obesity is a chronic and multifaceted condition marked by excessive fat accumulation that undermines overall health. This disorder markedly increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, adversely affects bone health and reproductive functions, and heightens the risk of certain cancers. Moreover, obesity severely diminishes the quality of life by impairing sleep and mobility.

At Protheragen, we offer a state-of-the-art Lachnospiraceae colonization study service, focusing on unraveling the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and obesity. Leveraging cutting-edge scientific research and integrating advanced technological platforms, our service aids clients in comprehensively understanding the potential impacts of Lachnospiraceae bacteria on host health. Our approach not only offers novel insights into the pathogenesis of obesity but also reveals potential Targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies. If you are interested in our obesity-related Services, contact us!

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.