Biology

Metabolic cross-feeding in imbalanced diets allows gut microbes to improve reproduction and alter host behaviour

S. F. Henriques, D. B. Dhakan, et al.

This innovative study reveals how gut microbes work together to boost the reproductive success and eating habits of Drosophila melanogaster. Conducted by a team of researchers including Sílvia F. Henriques and Carlos Ribeiro, the findings highlight the crucial role of metabolic interactions in microbiome resilience.

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Abstract

This study investigates the metabolic interactions between gut microbes and their impact on host behavior and reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster. Using isotope-resolved metabolomics, the researchers demonstrate a syntrophic relationship between Acetobacter pomorum (Ap) and Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) enabling them to overcome nutritional deficiencies in imbalanced diets. Ap utilizes lactate produced by Lp to synthesize essential amino acids, supporting Lp growth. Lactate is shown to be necessary and sufficient for Ap to influence the fly's protein appetite. The Ap/Lp community enhances reproduction, highlighting the importance of metabolic interactions in maintaining microbiome resilience and influencing host physiology.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Aug 25, 2020

Authors

Sílvia F. Henriques, Darshan B. Dhakan, Lúcia Serra, Ana Patrícia Francisco, Zita Carvalho-Santos, Célia Baltazar, Ana Paula Elias, Margarida Anjos, Tong Zhang, Oliver D. K. Maddocks, Carlos Ribeiro

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