Response of murine gut microbiota to alpha-(1,3)- oligosaccharides derived from Laetiporus sulphureus

Oligosaccharides (GOS) obtained by acid hydrolysis of alpha (1,3) glucan isolated from the fruiting bodies of fungus Laetiporus sulphureus is capable of selective stimulation of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, but not Escherichia coli or Enterococcus faecalis. To further test its prebiotic functionality, we assessed the effect of GOS on the murine gut microbiota. Changes in the bacterial community composition were measured by 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. Mice were fed with GOS supplemented diet and two control diets - with and without glucose addition. Samples were collected in 0,1, and 3 week time points.