Comparative genomics of Ruminococcus bromii

Ruminococcus bromii is one of the most prevalent keystone bacterial species that can ferment dietary starches that resist digestion by host enzymes (resistant starch, RS) in the human colon. Degradation of the prebiotic RS has important implications in health by providing sources of energy that can be utilized by other symbiotic short-chain fatty-acid-producing bacteria in the colon. RS fermentation has been shown to reduce insulin resistance, reverse infective diarrhoea and prevent colorectal cancer. Comparative genome analysis of 4 human (L2-63, L2-36, 5AMG, and the type strain ATCC27255) and one rumen (YE282) R. bromii strains was conducted to understand the pivotal role of this species in health and disease.