Metagenomic insights into resistant starch degradation by human gut microbiota. Metagenomic insights into resistant starch degradation by human gut microbiota

Several studies monitoring alterations of the community structure upon resistant starch (RS) interventions are available, although comprehensive function-based analyses are lacking. Recently, a multiomics approach based on 16S rRNA gene-sequencing, metaproteomics and metabolomics on fecal samples from individuals subjected to high and low doses of type-2 RS (RS2; 48 g and 3 g/2500 kcal, respectively, daily for 2 weeks) in a cross-over intervention experiment was performed. In the present study, we did pathway-based metagenomic analyses on samples from a subset of individuals (n=12) from that study to get additional, detailed insights into the functional structure at high resolution during RS2 intervention. A mechanistic framework based on obtained results is proposed where primary degradation was governed by Firmicutes, primarily via the keystone degrader Ruminococcus bromii providing fermentation substrates and increased acetate concentrations for growth of various major butyrate-producers exhibiting the enzyme butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase. H2-scavenging sulfite reducers and acetogens concurrently increased. Augmented fermentation products lowered the pH, further favoring Firmicutes including butyrate producers at the expense of pH-sensitive gram-negative bacteria, in particular Bacteroides. Individual responses of gut microbiota were noted where seven of the 12 participants displayed all features of the outlined pattern, whereas four individuals showed mixed behavior and one subject was unresponsive. Intervention order did not affect the outcome emphasizing a constant substrate supply for maintaining specific functional communities.