Methylmalonyl-CoA pathway enzymes (Veillonella atypica)

Methylmalonyl-CoA pathway enzymes in Veillonella atypica FB0054 are a group of microbial enzymes that catalyze the conversion of lactate into the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) propionate and acetate [1, 8]. This pathway is a defining metabolic feature of the genus Veillonella, which utilizes lactate as its sole carbon source [10, 13]. During intense physical activity, muscle-derived lactate enters the bloodstream and crosses the intestinal barrier into the gut lumen, where it serves as a substrate for these enzymes [1, 4]. The resulting propionate is absorbed by the host and enters systemic circulation, where it has been shown to improve exercise endurance, reduce inflammation, and potentially modulate neural pathways related to motivation and fatigue [7, 14]. This "metabolic sink" mechanism was first highlighted in a landmark 2019 study of elite athletes, identifying V. atypica as a performance-enhancing microbe [1, 5]. Therapeutic applications include the development of V. atypica FB0054 as a probiotic (e.g., V•Nella) to boost athletic performance and manage metabolic conditions such as diabetes and chronic fatigue [2, 11]. The pathway involves several key enzymes, including lactate dehydrogenase, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, and methylmalonyl-CoA decarboxylase, which work in concert to transform host-derived metabolic byproducts into beneficial signaling molecules [4, 12].

Other names

Lactate-to-propionate pathwaySuccinate pathwayVeillonella atypica FB0054 metabolic enzymesAthlete-derived lactate-utilizing enzymes

Conversion of systemic lactate to propionate via the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway to enhance endurance and reduce inflammation