Human milk oligosaccharide transport and metabolism (HMO transport and metabolism)

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex carbohydrates that constitute a significant portion of human breast milk and play a vital role in infant health (Bode, 2012; Glycobiology). While indigestible by the infant, these molecules are specifically transported and metabolized by beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium species, through a dedicated set of transporters and glycoside hydrolases (Sakanaka et al., 2020; Molecular Microbiology). This metabolic activity promotes the dominance of a healthy microbiome, which is essential for proper immune system maturation and protection against enteric pathogens (Walsh et al., 2020; Nutrients). Furthermore, HMOs function as decoy receptors that bind to pathogens, preventing their attachment to the intestinal wall (Hegar et al., 2019; Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition). Therapeutic strategies leverage this system by using synthetic HMOs as prebiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis, reduce the risk of infections, and manage inflammatory conditions. The study of HMO transport and metabolism continues to inform the development of advanced infant formulas and medical foods aimed at mimicking the protective benefits of natural breastfeeding.

Other names

HMO utilizationHuman milk oligosaccharide metabolismBifidobacterial HMO utilization pathwayPrebiotic HMO pathway

Selective prebiotic stimulation of beneficial gut microbiota and competitive inhibition of pathogen adhesion to intestinal epithelia.