Clinical Impact of Microbiome Characteristics in Treatment-Naïve Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Patients.

Purpose: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) predominantly manifests in East Asia and Latin America. Despite shared intrinsic factors, such as ethnic and genetic backgrounds, the progression of ENKTL can be influenced by extrinsic factors related to changing lifestyle patterns. Materials and Methods: This study collected stool samples from newly diagnosed (ND)-ENKTL patients (n=40) and conducted whole genome shotgun sequencing. Results: ND-ENKTL revealed reduced alpha diversity in ND-ENKTL compared to healthy controls (HCs) (p=0.008), with Enterobacteriaceae abundance significantly contributing to the beta diversity difference between ENKTL and HCs (p<0.001). Functional analysis indicated upregulated aerobic metabolism and degradation of aromatic compounds in ND-ENKTL. Enterobacteriaceae were associated not only with clinical data explaining disease status (serum CRP, stage, prognosis index of natural killer cell lymphoma (PINK), and PINK-E) but also with clinical outcomes (early relapse and short progression-free survival). The relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae at the family level was similar between ENKTL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (p=0.140). However, the ENKTL exhibited a higher abundance of Escherichia, in contrast to the prevalence of Enterobacter and Citrobacter in DLBCL. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between Escherichia abundance and PD-L1 levels in tissue samples (p=0.025), whereas no correlation with PD-L1 was observed for Enterobacteriaceae at the family level (p=0.571). Conclusion: ND-ENKTL exhibited an abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and a dominant presence of Escherichia. These microbial characteristics correlated with disease status, treatment outcomes, and PD-L1 expression, suggesting the potential of the ENKTL microbiome as a biomarker and cause of lymphomagenesis, which warrants further exploration.

Phocaeicola acetigenes sp. nov., producing acetic acid and iso-butyric acid, isolated faeces from a healthy human.

An obligately anaerobic, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative, and rod-shaped strain KGMB11183T was isolated from the feces of healthy Koreans. The growth of strain KGMB11183T occurred at 30-45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at pH 6-9 (optimum pH 7), and in the presence of 0-0.5% NaCl (optimum 0%). Strain KGMB11183T showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.4% and 94.2% to the closest recognized species, Phocaeicola plebeius M12T, and Phocaeicola faecicola AGMB03916T. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain KGMB11183T is a member of the genus Phocaeiocla. The major end products of fermentation are acetic acid and isobutyric acid. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of this isolate were C18:1 cis 9, anteiso-C15:0, and summed feature 11 (iso-C17:0 3-OH and/or C18:2 DMA). The assembled draft genome sequences of strain KGMB11183T consisted of 3,215,271 bp with a DNA G + C content of 41.4%. According to genomic analysis, strain KGMB11183T has a number of genes that produce acetic acid. The genome of strain KGMB11183T encoded the starch utilization system (Sus) operon, SusCDEF suggesting that strain uses many complex polysaccharides that cannot be digested by humans. Based on the physiological, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic data, strain KGMB11183T is regarded a novel species of the genus Phocaeicola. The type strain is KGMB11183T (= KCTC 25284T = JCM 35696T).

Gordonibacter faecis sp. nov., producing urolithin C from ellagic acid, isolated from feces of healthy Korean subjects.

A Gram-stain-positive, anaerobic, motile, and short rod-shaped bacterium, designated KGMB12511T, was isolated from the feces of healthy Koreansubjects. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain KGMB12511T was closely related to Gordonibacter pamelaeae 7-10-1-bT (95.2%). The draft genome of KGMB12511T comprised 33 contigs and 2,744 protein-coding genes. The DNA G + C content was 59.9% based on whole-genome sequences. The major cellular fatty acids (>10%) of strain KGMB12511T were C18:1 cis9, C18:1 cis9 DMA (dimethylacetal), and C16:0 DMA. The predominant polar lipids included a diphosphatydilglycerol, four glycolipids, and an unidentified phospholipid. The major respiratory quinones were menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and monomethylmenaquinone 6 (MMK-6). Furthermore, HPLC analysis demonstrated the ability of strain KGMB12511T to convert ellagic acid into urolithin. Based on a comprehensive analysis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic data, strain KGMB12511T represents a novel species in the genus Gordonibacter. The type strain is KGMB12511T (= KCTC 25343T = NBRC 116190T).

Systemic multiomics evaluation of the therapeutic effect of Bacteroides species on liver cirrhosis in male mice.

IMPORTANCE: The human gut microbiome mediates bidirectional interaction within the gut-liver axis, while liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis, are very closely related to the state of the gut environment. Thus, improving the health of the gut-liver axis by targeting the intestinal microbiota is a potential therapeutic approach in hepatic diseases. This study examines changes in metabolomics and microbiome composition by treating bacteria derived from the human gut in mice with liver cirrhosis. Interorgan-based multiomics profiling coupled with functional examination demonstrated that the treatment of Bacteroides dorei pertained to protective effects on liver cirrhosis by normalizing the functional, metabolic, and metagenomic environment through the gut-liver axis. The study provides the potential value of a multiomics-based and interorgan-targeted evaluation platform for the comprehensive examination and mechanistic understanding of a wide range of biologics, including gut microbes. Furthermore, the current finding also suggests in-depth future research focusing on the discovery and validation of next-generation probiotics and products (postbiotics).

Dietary quality and the gut microbiome in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has increased steadily with the increase of the elderly population. PD may influence dietary intake and quality, and the gut microbiome composition. The present study examined differences in dietary intake and quality between PD patients and controls according to sex. In addition, we assessed the gut microbiome composition. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at A Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. PD severity, swallowing function, olfactory function, and constipation status were examined by a skilled nurse. Dietary data were collected through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Stool samples were subjected to microbiome analysis. To examine dietary quality, the Dietary Quality Index-International (DQI-I), Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ), Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) were used. An independent t-test was used to determine differences between patients and controls. A chi-square test was used to examine frequency differences. RESULTS: Dietary intake did not differ between the PD patient and control groups. Regarding dietary quality, the patients consumed more saturated fat compared to controls. Overall, the dietary differences between the groups were minor. The composition of the gut microbiome differed between PD patients and controls. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus were most abundant in PD patients. Prevotella VZCB and other Faecalibacterium were most abundant in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that PD patients may experience gut microbiome change even in the early stage, while nutritional needs can be met when a balanced diet including various food groups are consumed.

The influence of microbial dysbiosis on immunochemotherapy-related efficacy and safety in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The gut microbiome influences cancer development and the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy but little is known about its effects on lymphoma. We obtained stool samples from treatment-naive, newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n = 189). We first performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (n = 158) and then conducted whole-genome shotgun sequencing on additional samples (n = 106). We compared the microbiome data from these patients with data from healthy controls and assessed whether microbiome characteristics were associated with treatment outcomes. The alpha diversity was significantly lower in patients with DLBCL than in healthy controls (P < .001), and the microbial composition differed significantly between the groups (P < .001). The abundance of the Enterobacteriaceae family belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum was markedly higher in patients than in healthy controls. Functional analysis of the microbiome revealed an association with opportunistic pathogenesis through type 1 pili, biofilm formation, and antibiotics resistance. Enterobacteriaceae members were significantly enriched in patients who experienced febrile neutropenia and in those who experienced relapse or progression (P < .001). Interestingly, greater abundance of Enterobacteriaceae correlated with shorter progression-free survival (P = .007). The cytokine profiles of patients whose microbiome was enriched with Enterobacteriaceae were significantly associated with interleukin 6 (P = .035) and interferon gamma (P = .045) levels. In summary, patients with DLBCL exhibited gut microbial dysbiosis. The abundance of Enterobacteriaceae correlated with treatment outcomes and febrile neutropenia. Further study is required to elucidate the origin and role of gut dysbiosis in DLBCL.

Oral and gut dysbiosis leads to functional alterations in Parkinson's disease.

Although several studies have identified a distinct gut microbial composition in Parkinson's disease (PD), few studies have investigated the oral microbiome or functional alteration of the microbiome in PD. We aimed to investigate the connection between the oral and gut microbiome and the functional changes in the PD-specific gut microbiome using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The taxonomic composition of the oral and gut microbiome was significantly different between PD patients and healthy controls (P = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively). Oral Lactobacillus was more abundant in PD patients and was associated with opportunistic pathogens in the gut (FDR-adjusted P < 0.038). Functional analysis revealed that microbial gene markers for glutamate and arginine biosynthesis were downregulated, while antimicrobial resistance gene markers were upregulated in PD patients than healthy controls (all P < 0.001). We identified a connection between the oral and gut microbiota in PD, which might lead to functional alteration of the microbiome in PD.

Bacteroides humanifaecis sp. nov., isolated from faeces of healthy Korean.

Two obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming and short rod shaped bacteria, designated KGMB07931T and KGMB10229, were isolated from faeces of two Korean persons. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains KGMB07931T and KGMB10229 were very similar to each other (99.9%) and grouped within the genus Bacteroides, displaying the highest similarity with Bacteroides uniformis ATCC 8492T (97.5%), Bacteroides rodentium JCM 16496T (96.6%), and Bacteroides fluxus YIT 12057T (94.5%). Both strains grew optimally at 37 °C and pH 7.5 in the presence of 0.5% (w/v) NaCl. The complete genome of KGMB07931T comprises 3,335 protein-coding genes with a total of 4,240,638 bp and an average G + C content of 46.3 mol%. The major fatty acids were C18:1 cis9, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, and Summed Feature 11 (iso-C17:0 3OH and/or C18:2 DMA); the predominant respiratory quinones were MK-9 and MK-10; the major fermentation end products were acetate and isobutyrate. The genome of strain KGMB07931T encoded the starch utilization system (Sus) operon, susABCDEFG, suggesting that this strain uses many complex polysaccharides that cannot be digested by humans. Based on polyphasic taxonomic data, strains KGMB07931T and KGMB10229 represent a novel species within the genus Bacteroides, for which the name Bacteroides humanifaecis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB07931T (= KCTC 25160T = NBRC 115005T).

Lactobacillus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaceus-driven reprogramming of gut microbiome and metabolome ameliorates the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Although microbioa-based therapies have shown putative effects on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is not clear how microbiota-derived metabolites contribute to the prevention of NAFLD. We explored the metabolomic signature of Lactobacillus lactis and Pediococcus pentosaceus in NAFLD mice and its association in NAFLD patients. METHODS: We used Western diet-induced NAFLD mice, and L. lactis and P. pentosaceus were administered to animals in the drinking water at a concentration of 109 CFU/g for 8 weeks. NAFLD severity was determined based on liver/body weight, pathology and biochemistry markers. Caecal samples were collected for the metagenomics by 16S rRNA sequencing. Metabolite profiles were obtained from caecum, liver and serum. Human stool samples (healthy control [n = 22] and NAFLD patients [n = 23]) were collected to investigate clinical reproducibility for microbiota-derived metabolites signature and metabolomics biomarker. RESULTS: L. lactis and P. pentosaceus supplementation effectively normalized weight ratio, NAFLD activity score, biochemical markers, cytokines and gut-tight junction. While faecal microbiota varied according to the different treatments, key metabolic features including short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs) and tryptophan metabolites were analogously restored by both probiotic supplementations. The protective effects of indole compounds were validated with in vitro and in vivo models, including anti-inflammatory effects. The metabolomic signatures were replicated in NAFLD patients, accompanied by the comparable levels of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which was significantly higher (4.3) compared with control (0.6). Besides, the consequent biomarker panel with six stool metabolites (indole, BAs, and SCFAs) showed 0.922 (area under the curve) in the diagnosis of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD progression was robustly associated with metabolic dys-regulations in the SCFAs, bile acid and indole compounds, and NAFLD can be accurately diagnosed using the metabolites. L. lactis and P. pentosaceus ameliorate NAFLD progression by modulating gut metagenomic and metabolic environment, particularly tryptophan pathway, of the gut-liver axis.

Collinsella acetigenes sp. nov., an Anaerobic Actinobacterium Isolated from Human Feces, and Emended Description of the Genus Collinsella and Collinsella aerofaciens.

A novel actinobacterial strain, Gram-positive, anaerobic, non-motile, and rod-shaped, designated KGMB02528T, was isolated from healthy human feces. Cells of strain KGMB02528T grew optimally at pH 7.0 and 37 °C and in the presence of 0% (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain KGMB04489T belonged to the genus Collinsella and was most closely related to Collinsella aerofaciens DSM 17552T (95.8%). The DNA G + C content was 58.0 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) were C16:0 DMA, C16:0 ALDE, C14:0 DMA, and C12:0. The predominant end product of fermentation was acetic acid. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strain KGMB02528T contained alanine, glutamic acid, and lysine, while diaminopimelic acid was not detected. The polar lipids were composed of two unidentified phospholipids and unidentified nine glycolipids. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties, strain KGMB02528T represents a novel species of the genus Collinsella, for which the name Collinsella acetigenes sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Collinsella acetigenes KGMB02528T (= KCTC 15847T = CCUG 73987T). The description of the genus Collinsella is emended to accommodate the new species.The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Collinsella acetigenes KGMB02528T is MT117838. The whole-genome shotgun BioProject number is PRJNA623694 with the accession number JABBCP000000000.

Characterization of Gut Microbiome in Korean Patients with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new concept where the presence of both fatty liver and metabolic abnormality are necessary for diagnosis. Several studies have reported that altered gut microbiome is closely associated with metabolic diseases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the studies on MAFLD population are scarce. This prospective study aimed to identify differences in gut microbiome between patients with MAFLD and healthy controls in Korean population. In this study, patients with MAFLD and age, sex-matched healthy controls were included, and their stool samples were collected. Taxonomic composition of gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid pyrosequencing. Twenty-two MAFLD patients and 44 healthy controls were included. Taxonomic diversity was lower in patients with MAFLD in the aspect of alpha and beta diversity. The differences were also found at phylum, class, family, and genus levels between the two groups. Phylum Proteobacteria, family Enterobactereriaceae, genus Citrobacter abundance was significantly increased and genus Faecalibacterium was significantly decreased in patients with MAFLD. In addition, butyrate-producing bacteria were decreased and ethanol-producing bacteria were increased in patients with MAFLD. The composition of gut microbiome was different between MAFLD and healthy controls in Korean population. This could offer potential targets for therapeutic intervention in MAFLD.

Characteristics of the Gut Microbiome of Healthy Young Male Soldiers in South Korea: The Effects of Smoking.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: South Korean soldiers are exposed to similar environmental factors. In this study, we sought to evaluate the gut microbiome of healthy young male soldiers (HYMS) and to identify the primary factors influencing the microbiome composition. METHODS: We prospectively collected stool from 100 HYMS and performed next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of fecal bacteria. Clinical data, including data relating to the diet, smoking, drinking, and exercise, were collected. RESULTS: The relative abundances of the bacterial phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were 72.3%, 14.5%, 8.9%, and 4.0%, respectively. Fifteen species, most of which belonged to Firmicutes (87%), were detected in all examined subjects. Using cluster analysis, we found that the subjects could be divided into the two enterotypes based on the gut microbiome bacterial composition. Compared with enterotype 2 subjects, subjects classified as enterotype 1 tended to be characterized by higher frequencies of potentially harmful lifestyle habits (current smoker: 55.6% vs 36.6%, p=0.222; heavy drinker: 16.7% vs 3.7%, p=0.120; insufficient physical activity: 27.8% vs 14.6%, p=0.318). We identified a significant difference in the microbiome compositions of current and noncurrent smokers (p=0.008); the former differed from the latter mainly in a relatively lower abundance of Bifidobacterium species and a higher abundance of Negativicutes. CONCLUSIONS: A high abundance of Actinobacteria and low abundance of Bacteroidetes were the main features distinguishing the gut microbiomes of HYMS, and current smokers could be differentiated from noncurrent smokers by their lower abundance of Bifidobacterium and higher abundance of Negativicutes.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for multidrug-resistant organism: Efficacy and Response prediction.

OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO) is increasing the frequency of poor clinical outcomes, prolonging hospitalizations, and raising healthcare costs. This study evaluated the eradication efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and identified microbial and functional biomarkers of MDRO decolonization. METHODS: Fecal solution obtained from healthy unrelated donors was infused in the participants' guts which had been colonized with carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriacea (CPE), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), or both CPE and VRE. Fecal samples from recipients were collected and microbiome changes before and after FMT were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-four (68.6%) out of 35 patients were decolonized within one year of receiving FMT. Multivariate analysis showed that FMT (FMT: hazard ratio (HR) = 5.343, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.877-15.212, p = 0.002) and MDRO types (CPE: HR = 11.146, 95% CI = 2.420-51.340, p = 0.002; CPE/VRE: HR = 2.948, 95% CI = 1.200-7.246, p = 0.018; VRE served as the reference) were significant independent factors associated with time to decolonization. Microbiota analysis showed higher richness and biodiversity before FMT resulted in VRE decolonization. The species Clostridium ramosum and the genuses Anaerostipes and Eisenbergiella could serve as taxonomic biomarkers and K02017 could serve as a functional biomarker for VRE clearance. CONCLUSION: FMT is an effective way to decolonize MDRO and its effectiveness may be predicted by microbiome analysis.

High-Fat Diet and Antibiotics Cooperatively Impair Mitochondrial Bioenergetics to Trigger Dysbiosis that Exacerbates Pre-inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The clinical spectra of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) intersect to form a scantily defined overlap syndrome, termed pre-IBD. We show that increased Enterobacteriaceae and reduced Clostridia abundance distinguish the fecal microbiota of pre-IBD patients from IBS patients. A history of antibiotics in individuals consuming a high-fat diet was associated with the greatest risk for pre-IBD. Exposing mice to these risk factors resulted in conditions resembling pre-IBD and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics in the colonic epithelium, which triggered dysbiosis. Restoring mitochondrial bioenergetics in the colonic epithelium with 5-amino salicylic acid, a PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) agonist that stimulates mitochondrial activity, ameliorated pre-IBD symptoms. As with patients, mice with pre-IBD exhibited notable expansions of Enterobacteriaceae that exacerbated low-grade mucosal inflammation, suggesting that remediating dysbiosis can alleviate inflammation. Thus, environmental risk factors cooperate to impair epithelial mitochondrial bioenergetics, thereby triggering microbiota disruptions that exacerbate inflammation and distinguish pre-IBD from IBS.

Senegalimassilia faecalis sp. nov., an anaerobic actinobacterium isolated from human faeces, and emended description of the genus Senegalimassilia.

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated KGMB04484T, was isolated from healthy human faeces sampled in the Republic of Korea. Cells of strain KGMB04484T were strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, non-motile coccobacilli and formed tiny colonies on Columbia agar with 5 % horse blood. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain KGMB04484T was affiliated with the genus Senegalimassilia in the family Coriobacteriaceae and its closest relative was Senegalimassilia anaerobia JC110T (96.28 % sequence similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain KGMB04484T was 61.2 mol%. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified glycolipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of strain KGMB04484T were C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 0 dimethyl acetal. Based on its phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KGMB04484T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Senegalimassilia, for which the name Senegalimassilia faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB04484T (=KCTC 15721T=CCUG 72347T).

Sutterella faecalis sp. nov., isolated from human faeces.

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and coccobacilli-shaped bacterial strain, designated KGMB03119T, was isolated from human faeces from a Korean. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate was a member of the genus Sutterella and most closely related to Sutterlla wadsworthensis KCTC 15691T (96.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The DNA G + C content of strain KGMB03119T was 58.3 mol% as determined from its whole genome sequence. Strain KGMB03119T was asaccharolytic, catalase-positive, oxidase- and urease-negative. Furthermore, the isolate was positive for alkaline phosphatase, leucine arylamidase, acid phosphatase, arginine arylamidase, alanine arylamidase, and glycine arylamidase. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were C18:1ω9c and C16:0. Methylmenaquinone-5 (MMK-5, 100%) was the predominant isoprenoid quinone in the isolate. Based on the phylogenetic, physiological, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain KGMB03119T represents a novel species, for which the name Sutterella faecalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB03119T (= KCTC 15823T = NBRC 114254T).

Anaerotignum faecicola sp. nov., isolated from human faeces.

A strictly anaerobic bacterium, designated as strain KGMB-03357T, was isolated from the faeces of a healthy Korean selected by Bundang Seoul National University based on health status. Cells of strain KGMB03357T are Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, and observed as straight or curved rods. The isolate grew at 10-45°C (optimum temperature of 40°C) and a pH range of 5.1-10.5 (optimum pH of 6.8). Analysis of phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KGMB03357T forms a lineage within the genus Anaerotignum, and is most closely related to Anaerotignum lactatifermentans G17T (= KCTC 15066T, 96.1%), Anaerotignum propionicum DSM 1682T (= KCTC 5582T, 94.9%), Anaerotignum neopropionicum DSM 03847T (= KCTC 15564T, 94.9%), and Anaerotignum aminivorans SH021T (= KCTC 15705T, 94.8%). The ANI values between strain KGMB 03357T and members of the genus Anaerotignum were 73.3-71.0%, which are below the ANI criterion for interspecies identity. The DNA G + C content based on the whole-genome sequence is 47.3 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain KGMB03357T are C16:0, C18:0, C18∶1 cis 9, and anteiso-C15∶0. Strain KGMB03357T contains meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic amino acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genomic properties, strain KGMB 03357T represents a novel species of the genus Anaerotignum, for which the name Anaerotignum faecicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KGMB03357T (= KCTC 15736T = DSM 107953T).

Replication of Vibrio cholerae classical CTX phage.

The toxigenic classical and El Tor biotype Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 strains are generated by lysogenization of host-type-specific cholera toxin phages (CTX phages). Experimental evidence of the replication and transmission of an El Tor biotype-specific CTX phage, CTX-1, has explained the evolution of V. cholerae El Tor biotype strains. The generation of classical biotype strains has not been demonstrated in the laboratory, and the classical biotype-specific CTX phage, CTX-cla, is considered to be defective with regard to replication. However, the identification of atypical El Tor strains that contain CTX-cla-like phage, CTX-2, indicates that CTX-cla and CTX-2 replicate and can be transmitted to V. cholerae strains. The replication of CTX-cla and CTX-2 phages and the transduction of El Tor biotype strains by various CTX phages under laboratory conditions are demonstrated in this report. We have established a plasmid-based CTX phage replication system that supports the replication of CTX-1, CTX-cla, CTX-2, and CTX-O139. The replication of CTX-2 from the tandem repeat of lysogenic CTX-2 in Wave 2 El Tor strains is also presented. El Tor biotype strains can be transduced by CTX phages in vitro by introducing a point mutation in toxT, the transcriptional activator of the tcp (toxin coregulated pilus) gene cluster and the cholera toxin gene. This mutation also increases the expression of cholera toxin in El Tor strains in a sample single-phase culture. Our results thus constitute experimental evidence of the genetic mechanism of the evolution of V. cholerae.

Pretreatment selection of regimen according to genetic analysis improves the efficacy of chemotherapy in the first line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Metastatic colon cancer patients are treated with the chemotherapy regimens, FOLFOX and FOLFIRI, in either order. So far, we cannot predict the response of chemotherapeutic agent, so it is necessary to find which regimen is adequate before starting chemotherapy. METHODS: Enrolled patients are randomized into either conventional treatment or planned treatment preceded by pretreatment genetic analysis. Blood samples of patients in planned treatment group (N = 53) were analyzed for the genetic polymorphism before selection of chemotherapeutic agents. Target genes were XPD-751, GSTP-1-105, XRCC1-399 for oxaliplatin, UGT1A1 for irinotecan. The response was measured by computed tomographic scan after completion of three cycles of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Overall response rate was significantly higher in planned group (67.9% vs. 46.3%, P = 0.020). In FOLFOX group, response rate was significantly improved in the planned patients(77.1% vs. 50%, P = 0.018). In FOLFIRI group, the difference didn't reach statistical significance (50% vs. 42.5%, P = 0.776). CONCLUSIONS: We found significantly improved response rates in the chemotherapy of metastatic colon cancer by pretreatment genetic analysis, especially in FOLFOX group.

Draft genome sequence of Weissella koreensis KCTC 3621T.

Weissella koreensis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, nonmotile, and facultative anaerobic species belonging to the lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The members of this species have been repeatedly isolated from kimchi (a traditional Korean fermented food) and are known for their beneficial effects on human and animal intestinal microflora through producing various clinically important amino acids such as γ-aminobutyric acid and ornithine. Here we report the genome sequence of the type strain of W. koreensis (KCTC 3621(T)) to provide taxonomic and functional insights into the species.