Non-lethal growth inhibition by arresting the starch utilization system of clinically relevant human isolates of Bacteroides dorei.

We describe the inhibition of the starch utilization system (Sus) belonging to various strains of Bacteroides dorei in a non-lethal manner using the small molecule probe, acarbose. Concentrations of acarbose as low as 5 µM significantly impede the growth of B. dorei and increase the doubling time of cultures. The successful inhibition of this species of Bacteroides is relevant to several disease states including type I diabetes mellitus. This method continues to explore a new, potential route to intervene in illnesses associated with aberrant changes in the composition of the human gut microbiota through the strategic manipulation of its constituents.

Nonmicrobicidal Small Molecule Inhibition of Polysaccharide Metabolism in Human Gut Microbes: A Potential Therapeutic Avenue.

A new approach for the nonmicrobicidal phenotypic manipulation of prominent gastrointestinal microbes is presented. Low micromolar concentrations of a chemical probe, acarbose, can selectively inhibit the Starch Utilization System and ablate the ability of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and B. fragilis strains to metabolize potato starch and pullulan. This strategy has potential therapeutic relevance for the selective modulation of the GI microbiota in a nonmicrobicidal manner.