Propionate-producing bacteria

Propionate-producing bacteria represent a functional consortium of the human gut microbiota that ferment dietary fibers into propionate, a key short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) [1]. This group is taxonomically diverse, primarily comprising members of the phyla Bacteroidetes, such as Bacteroides and Prevotella, and certain Firmicutes like Veillonella [1, 4]. Propionate serves as a vital signaling molecule that interacts with host G protein-coupled receptors, specifically FFAR2 (GPR43) and FFAR3 (GPR41), to regulate energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and immune function [2, 4]. In the liver, propionate also acts as a precursor for gluconeogenesis and can inhibit cholesterol synthesis [2]. A reduction in the abundance or activity of these bacteria is linked to metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease [3]. Therapeutic interventions aim to increase the population of these bacteria through the administration of prebiotics (e.g., inulin), probiotics (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila), or direct delivery of propionate esters to the colon [3, 4]. While generally considered beneficial, modulating these bacterial populations requires careful consideration of the overall gut ecosystem to avoid dysbiosis or unintended metabolic shifts [4].

Other names

Propionate producersPropionigenic bacteriaPropionate-producing gut microbiota

Modulation of the gut microbiota to increase the production of propionate, which subsequently activates host free fatty acid receptors (FFAR2 and FFAR3) to regulate metabolism and inflammation.