Extracellular vesicles of probiotic yeast as carriers of biologically active molecules transferred to human intestinal cells

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Basic information</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14px">This repository contains data generated as part of the NCN OPUS25 project (2023/49/B/NZ9/03663). These data were used in the preparation of a scientific publication (see <em>README.html</em>, section 5). The repository will be continuously updated with new datasets collected over the course of the project.<br />
A detailed description of the repository structure and contents is available in the <em>README.html</em> file.</span></p><hr /><p><strong style="font-size:14px">Project description</strong></p><p><span style="font-size:14px">Cells, whether eukaryotic or prokaryotic, release very often membrane vesicles filled with different
types of molecules, for example proteins, DNA or RNA, in order to communicate with other cells,
answer to changes in their environment or to obtain nutrients. Of particular interest to scientists are EVs
(Extracellular Vesicles), released by the cancer cells and pathogenic microorganisms. It is justified
as research in this area might help in the development of new anticancer and antimicrobial therapies
or diagnostic tools. However, we should not forget that human body is also constantly exposed to contact
with non-pathogenic microorganisms, especially those which we consume daily with our food.
Therefore, it is worth knowing whether those microorganisms interact with human cells and whether
EVs are engaged in them.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px">Fermented food is rich in microorganisms that have a positive effect on the functioning of our
body by: stabilization of the autochthonous microbiome and protection against colonization
by pathogens, secretion of enzymes that support the digestion of food as well as substances that stimulate
the host&#39;s immune system. Among microorganisms that we consume on a daily basis are not only lactic
bacteria, but also yeast, for instance of the genus Saccharomyces and Kluyveromyces. So far, the best
documented probiotic efficacy in clinical trials has been demonstrated by two strains of microscopic
fungi - <em>Saccharomyces boulardii</em> CNCM I-745 and <em>Kluyveromyces marxianus</em> B0399. These fungi
present some probiotic functions, e.g. antagonistic activity against pathogenic microorganisms or high
survival rate in the digestive system and have a safe status (GRAS). It brings up a question of whether
this probiotic activity of microorganisms is connected to EVs released by them.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px">Our research hypothesis is that yeasts that we consume with fermented food or probiotics after
entering digestive tract release extracellular vesicles, filled with different molecules, mainly proteins
and nucleic acids, which later on interact witch epithelial cells of the intestine. As a part of proposed
project we plan on verifying our hypothesis by studying yeast<em> S. boulardii</em>, <em>K. marxianus</em>
and <em>S. cerevisiae</em> in terms of production, morphology and composition of EVs in different breeding
conditions, both standard ones as well as those imitating the environment in individual sections of
the digestive track (stomach, small intestine and large intestine). This way we will find out, whether
yeasts can produce EVs in the digestive track. Furthermore, our aim will be to check, whether yeast’s
extracellular vesicles show any effect on metabolic activity of human cells in vitro and whether they
have a potential to transport their loads (e.g. proteins or RNAs) into human cells.
</span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px">Implementing our project we will not only broaden the knowledge about yeast’s EVs consumed
trough food and probiotics, but we will also open the doors to new research areas, in which it will be
possible in the future to attempt to create, for example modified yeast secreting antigens or therapeutic
proteins in EVs. Perhaps this yeast or just vesicles produced by them will be used as medicinal products
administered orally.</span></p>