Functional analysis of metalloenzymes from human gut microbiota and their role in ulcerative colitis

Aim Metalloenzymes produced by gut microbiota play an essential role in various physiological processes, and maintains homeostasis of gastrointestinal tract. Our study includes functional analysis of microbial metalloenzymes using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics data from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multiomics Database. Methods and results The distance matrix calculated by using metalloenzymes data produced significant results for bacterial taxonomy, with higher variance compared to HMP analysis in both Western and Indian population. Differential gene expression analysis revealed altered expression of ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated enzymes, increased folds changes in Prevotella and Megamonas transcripts; whereas, low transcripts of Alistipes genera. Further, docking and simulation studies performed on screened UC-associated enzymes revealed changes in catalytic efficiency and ligand interacting residues. Conclusion The beta-diversity using microbes containing metalloenzymes suggests considering small group of specific genes or enzymes for understanding the diversity between UC and healthy individuals. The docking and differential gene expression analysis collectively indicate the probable role of metalloenzymes and few UC-associated enzymes in the severity of UC.

Automated summary

Metalloenzymes produced by gut microbiota play a vital role in maintaining gastrointestinal tract homeostasis and various physiological processes. Analysis of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics data from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multiomics Database revealed significant differences in bacterial taxonomy and altered gene expression of ulcerative colitis (UC)-associated enzymes. Docking and simulation studies suggested changes in catalytic efficiency and ligand interacting residues of screened UC-associated enzymes. The beta-diversity analysis of microbes containing metalloenzymes highlights the importance of specific genes or enzymes in understanding the diversity between UC and healthy individuals. The study indicates the potential role of metalloenzymes and specific UC-associated enzymes in the severity of UC.