"Now, ... researchers have discovered that a certain species of bacteria behaves differently depending on where in the gut it takes up residence. The work was done in mouse models, but mapping the geography of microbial populations in the gut ... the gut microbiome—may be crucial for one day being able to treat and reshape a human microbiome gone awry. ...
Over many years, ... has described how Bacteroides fragilis in the gut produces beneficial molecules that protect mice from inflammatory bowel disease and autism-like symptoms. ... a vast majority of the B. fragilis in the gut live within the central part of the intestinal tube, called the lumen. However, ... discovered in 2013 that some B. fragilis reside ... nestled into microscopic pockets within the tissue walls lining the tube. These sparse populations are protected by mucus and are largely unaffected by antibiotics, suggesting that they act as population reservoirs that ensure long-term colonization. ... This technique [hybrid selection RNA-sequencing] revealed that B. fragilis residing in the gut tissue are surprisingly metabolically active and thriving despite their sparser population. Donaldson and his team found that one particular gene in these bacteria help them to establish a foothold in the tissue lining."
Mapping Bacterial Neighborhoods in the Gut | www.caltech.edu: Location, location, location: Where bacteria take up residence in the gut determines what kind of work they do, which has a profound effect on health.
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