Butyrivibrio

Butyrivibrio is a genus of anaerobic, Gram-negative (though phylogenetically related to Gram-positives), curved rod-shaped bacteria that are prominent members of the rumen and human gut microbiota [NCBI Taxonomy, 2024; Kelly et al., 2010]. They are primarily recognized for their role in the fermentation of complex plant polysaccharides, such as cellulose and xylan, into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically butyrate [Louis and Flint, 2009]. Butyrate serves as a critical energy source for colonocytes and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making Butyrivibrio a key player in maintaining intestinal homeostasis [Hamer et al., 2008]. Beyond their metabolic role, certain species like Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus have provided significant biotechnological tools, most notably the Cas12a (Cpf1) endonuclease used in CRISPR-based genome editing [Zetsche et al., 2015]. As a genus, Butyrivibrio is not a conventional drug target but is a focal point for microbiome-based therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring healthy gut function [Rivière et al., 2016]. While they are susceptible to broad-spectrum antibiotics, therapeutic interest lies in their promotion through prebiotics or their use as next-generation probiotics to treat inflammatory conditions [O'Toole et al., 2017].

Other names

Butyrivibrio genusButyrivibrio spp.

Not applicable for a bacterial genus; susceptible to antibiotic-mediated growth inhibition.