Bile salt hydrolase-producing intestinal bacterial taxa (BSH-producing bacteria)

Bile salt hydrolase-producing intestinal bacterial taxa are a diverse group of gut microorganisms, including genera such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides, that express the enzyme bile salt hydrolase (BSH; EC 3.5.1.24) [1.3.1, 1.3.3]. This enzyme catalyzes the deconjugation of bile salts, a critical gateway step in bile acid metabolism that converts glycine- or taurine-conjugated bile acids into free bile acids and amino acids [1.1.1, 1.4.4]. This process significantly influences host physiology by reducing the efficiency of lipid emulsification and absorption, promoting the fecal excretion of bile acids, and modulating signaling through host receptors such as the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5 [1.1.2, 1.3.1]. Consequently, these bacteria and their BSH enzymes are key therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders, including hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) [1.3.3, 1.4.4]. Therapeutic strategies involve the administration of BSH-active probiotics to lower cholesterol or the development of small-molecule BSH inhibitors to regulate energy harvest and metabolic signaling [1.3.2, 1.4.3]. Beyond metabolic health, BSH activity is also linked to inflammatory bowel disease and the prevention of certain infections like giardiasis [1.1.3, 1.4.4]. However, the modulation of BSH activity must be carefully managed, as excessive deconjugation can lead to the formation of potentially carcinogenic secondary bile acids [1.1.1, 1.2.1]. Overall, targeting BSH-producing taxa offers a promising approach to precision microbiome medicine [1.2.1].

Other names

BSH-active gut microbiotaBile salt hydrolase-producing bacteriaCholoylglycine hydrolase-producing bacteriaConjugated bile salt hydrolase-producing bacteria

Deconjugation of bile salts via hydrolysis of the amide bond; inhibition of the bile salt hydrolase enzyme; modulation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5 signaling; reduction of intestinal cholesterol absorption.