ABSTRACT
We present the genomic sequences of 10 spore-forming bacteria from the Bacillaceae family isolated from fecal samples of mice residing in the Tisch Family Biblical Zoo, Jerusalem. These isolates suggest Bacillus bacteria are a native component of rodent gut flora, facilitating further research into gut colonization and microbiome diversity.
ABSTRACT
From the moment of birth, the newborn gastrointestinal tract is infiltrated by various bacteria originating from both maternal and environmental sources. These colonizing bacteria form a complex microbiota community that undergoes continuous changes until adulthood and plays an important role in infant health. The maturation of the infant gut microbiota is driven by many factors and follows a distinct patterned trajectory, with specific bacterial taxa establish in the intestine in accordance with developmental milestones as the infant grows. In this review, we highlight how elements such as diet and host physiology select for specific microbial functions and shape the composition of the bacterial community in the large intestine.
ABSTRACT
Common nutrients in our diet often affect our health through unexpected mechanisms. In a recent issue of Nature, Scott et al. show gut microbes convert dietary tryptophan into metabolites activating intestinal dopamine receptors, which can block attachment of bacterial pathogens to host cells.