Bifidobacterium carbohydrate-utilization system

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and related Bifidobacterium species utilize specialized carbohydrate-utilization systems to metabolize complex glycans, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and prebiotic fibers. These systems are composed of various molecular components, including ABC transporters, phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase systems (PTS), and a diverse array of glycoside hydrolases such as beta-galactosidases and fucosidases [1][2]. By breaking down these complex sugars, the bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and lactate, which play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms [2]. In clinical practice, these systems are targeted through the administration of prebiotics (e.g., galacto-oligosaccharides) to promote the colonization of beneficial Bifidobacteria in the infant gut [3]. This intervention is particularly significant for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants and modulating immune responses to reduce the risk of allergic diseases [1][3]. As such, these metabolic pathways serve as a primary mechanism for the therapeutic efficacy of synbiotic formulations in pediatric and neonatal care. Sources: [1] Salli, K., et al. (2021). "The Role of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V in Infant Health." Nutrients. [2] Turroni, F., et al. (2018). "Glycan Catabolism by Bifidobacteria." Applied and Environmental Microbiology. [3] Wong, C. B., et al. (2019). "Bifidobacterium breve M-16V for the prevention of necrotising enterocolitis." Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Other names

Bifidobacterium breve M-16V carbohydrate-utilization systemHMO utilization clusterBifidobacterial glycan metabolism pathwayGOS/FOS utilization systemHuman milk oligosaccharide utilization system

Selective fermentation of prebiotic substrates by bacterial glycoside hydrolases and transporters, leading to the competitive exclusion of pathogens and the production of immunomodulatory short-chain fatty acids like acetate.