Genetic basis for the cooperative bioactivation of plant lignans by Eggerthella lenta and other human gut bacteria

RNAseq was used to identify genomic loci in bacteria that are uniquely up-regulated upon exposure to the small molecules that they metabolize. This technique enabled the identification of genes that encode the biotransformation of dietary lignans to bioactive enterolignans. Determination of the genetic basis for this bio-processing enables prediction of human microbiome's that can manifest the health benefits of dietary lignans.