Polysaccharides catabolism by the human gut bacterium -Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron: advances and perspectives

In recent years, the degradation processes of polysaccharides by human gut microbiota are receiving considerable attention due to the discoveries of the powerful function of gut microbiota. Gut microbiota has developed a sensitive, accurate, and complex system for sensing, capturing, and degrading different polysaccharides. Among the gut microbiota,Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a representative species ofBacteroides, is considered as the best degrader of polysaccharides and a potential probiotic in pharmaceutical and food industries. Here, we summarize the degradation system ofB. thetaiotaomicronand the degradation pathways of different polysaccharides byB. thetaiotaomicron.We also describe a technical route for investigating a specific polysaccharide degradation pathway by human gut bacteria. In addition, we also provide the future perspectives in the development of novel polysaccharides or oligosaccharides drugs, precision microbiology medicine, and personalized nutrition.

Automated summary

The degradation processes of polysaccharides by human gut microbiota, with a focus on the role ofBacteroides thetaiotaomicron as a potential probiotic, have garnered attention in recent years. Researchers have summarized the degradation system and pathways of different polysaccharides byB. thetaiotaomicron, and provided insights into future developments in drug development, precision microbiology medicine, and personalized nutrition.