New Insights into Akkermansia's Role in Gut Health

A recently published study in Nature Microbiology provides an in-depth analysis of Akkermansia muciniphila (AM), a beneficial microbe found in the lower gut, and its role in breaking down mucus-derived sugars as part of its specialized diet.

The research focused on the 66 enzymes AM uses to degrade mucus, a key component of the protective layer lining the human gastrointestinal tract. Led by Dr. Lucy Crouch from the University of Birmingham, the study demonstrated that a combination of these enzymes could fully break down mucin extracted from a pig model. This marks the first comprehensive understanding of how any microbe processes O-linked sugars in the gut at the molecular level.

“For the first time, we have detailed how microbes degrade the food source O-linked sugars in the gut. This is also the first instance where a complete set of enzymes has been used to break down the glycan portion of mucin. These newly characterized enzymes could help us analyze the different glycans produced by humans, which may serve as markers for disease.”

Dr. Lucy Crouch, Sir Henry Dale Fellow, Study Corresponding Author, University of Birmingham

Dr. Crouch further explained the broader implications of this research: “These glycans, and others like them, serve as receptors for various pathogens and their toxins, such as Shiga toxin. If we can modify these glycans, we might be able to influence disease severity.”

The study also highlighted AM’s potential health benefits. Proteins and outer membrane extracts of AM have been shown to positively impact metabolism and interact with host receptors in ways that may suppress immune responses. “Since AM relies on the mucus we produce, it likely interacts with the host in multiple ways,” Dr. Crouch noted.

She emphasized AM’s significance as a health indicator: “We know that AM is a crucial microbe, and its levels can reflect overall health. The bacteria are consistently beneficial for the gut, with lower levels linked to inflammatory diseases and diabetes. Interestingly, AM is also highly sensitive to fiber intake, meaning dietary changes can significantly impact its presence.”

This research advances our understanding of how gut microbes contribute to health and disease, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications targeting glycans and gut microbiota balance.