How your gut microbiome’s microorganisms fight off infections
How your gut microbiome's microorganisms fight off infections
Your gut microbiome contains bacteria that aid with digestion, boost your immune system, and keep you healthy. Your gut bacteria defend you from gut pathogenic bacteria by using a variety of tools to combat them. Here, we examine the mechanisms by which gut bacteria fight diseases and how you might support their defense of you. Your body is full of microbes, and the bacteria in your gut in particular help to keep you healthy. They support healthy immunological function, aid in food digestion, and guard against harmful gut bacteria.
The so-called commensal bacteria are those that reside in your gut. Fortunately, they possess a unique superpower that allows them to shield us from microorganisms that can infect us and make us ill. To combat these pathogens, our commensal gut bacteria evolved some remarkable defense mechanisms. Hence, by taking care of our beneficial gut flora, you are also enhancing your resistance to sickness. Here, we will examine the types of bacterial battles that exist in your gut as well as how these bacteria protect you from diseases and maintain your health.
Pathogens are defended by your gut flora via poisonous chemicals.
Bacteria have a variety of ways to eliminate rival bacteria, other germs, or even their own siblings. These bacteria frequently create substances that are harmful to their prey, which inhibits cellular enzymes or machinery. The prey would be unable to develop or survive without these machines, which would result in its eventual death.
It’s interesting to note that gut bacteria make and transmit a wide range of harmful compounds with varying properties, roles, and even sources.
Bacteriocins are made by gut bacteria
To kill other bacteria, many bacteria create chemicals that resemble antibiotics. These are referred to as bacteriocins.
While some bacteriocins are modest and straightforward, others might be large and complex. They all, however, aim to bind to a particular target in the prey bacterium and stop that target from functioning properly. It makes sense then that a large number of the bacteria in our gut microbiome create bacteriocins, which are poisonous to pathogenic invaders. Also, our guts are home to a wide variety of bacteria, each of which produces a unique bacteriocin. As a result, entering infections encounter a massive amount of poisonous chemicals, which makes it extremely difficult for them to settle in our intestines.
Ruminococcus gnavus, for instance, is a bacteria that enjoys the warmth and dearth of oxygen in our gut. Moreover, Ruminococcin A and C, which are poisonous against human gut pathogens such Clostridium perfringens, are produced by this organism.
Bacteriocins are harmful to pathogens like Enterococcus faecalis and are also produced by other beneficial gut bacteria including Escherichia coli and Blautia products. Also, certain of their bacteriocins have the ability to affect the cells in our stomach by enhancing and activating our immune response.
Short-chain fatty acids are produced by gut bacteria from fibers
Your food plays a key role in protecting against harmful gut flora. Our beneficial gut bacteria break down non-digestible carbohydrates called fibers when we consume large amounts of them. Short-chain fatty acids are tiny molecules that are created from these fibers and have numerous advantages for our general health.
It’s interesting to note that our intestine’s pH decreases when there are a lot of these short-chain fatty acids present. For the majority of pathogenic bacteria, this is already quite challenging because few of them can survive in such an acidic environment.
Moreover, pathogenic gut bacteria are exposed to short-chain fatty acids, which causes the pH to decrease. This can prevent numerous cellular machinery from operating properly, and since few bacteria have the means to defend themselves against this attack, they will perish.
Bile acids are transformed into harmful chemicals by gut microorganisms
Our liver creates bile acids in order to better digest the fats in our diet. These molecules bind fatty acids and lipids to make them easier for our bodies to absorb.
Yet, some of the helpful bacteria in our stomach can change these basic bile acids from our liver. For instance, Clostridium scindens, one of these bacteria, convert them into secondary bile acids that can bind the lipids in bacterial membranes.
Certain pathogenic gut bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, or Clostridium difficile, have their membranes partially or completely opened by secondary bile acids. The invaders are finally eliminated as a result, and our stomachs remain pathogen-free.
Using a bow and arrow to eradicate germs
Yep, there are actual bacterial battles going on right now in our stomachs! They are also unpleasant!
These bacteria fire lethal arrows into other bacteria using tiny, miniature bows. The shot bacterium has almost no chance of surviving the onslaught because these arrows have the potential to be extremely poisonous.
Fortunately, the bacteria in our stomach employ their bows and arrows to fight off intestinal infections. For instance, the commensal bacterium Bacteroides fragilis can launch a variety of arrows from three different bows. Also, studies have shown that this bacterial companion can shield us from harmful germs that might otherwise cause intestinal problems.
How to support your gut bacteria’s pathogen defense
Now that you are aware of how your gut microbiome protects harmful gut bacteria, you should support their role in maintaining your health. You may make your gut bacteria more at ease and content by giving them the correct items to eat. And when the proper bacteria develop inside of you, they will gratefully defend you from undesirable visitors!
Another thought for researchers is to keep you healthy by applying what they have discovered. The goal is to create probiotics or prebiotics that support our immune system’s defense against harmful germs. For instance, you might take probiotics containing bacteria that can combat pathogens or tablets containing toxins that fight pathogenic gut flora.
Despite the case, consuming the correct foods will always assist your gut flora thrive in your intestines. That indicates a lot of vegetables and fiber!
Technologies Using Recombinant DNA: A Brief Message
Technologies Using Recombinant DNA: A Brief Message
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is DNA that has been created using genetic recombination techniques used in laboratories (like molecular cloning) to combine genetic material from various sources, resulting in sequences that would not typically be seen in biological creatures. DNA molecules from all creatures share the same molecular structure, making recombinant DNA conceivable. They have the same general structure; the only difference is in the nucleotide sequence. The manufacture of both live and killed vaccines with increased responsiveness and excellent specificity is made possible with the use of rDNA technology. The use of recombinant DNA technology allows researchers to pinpoint the specific viral or microbial pathogen protein that, by itself, can trigger the development of antibodies with the ability to reduce infectiousness and so potentially defend the host against the disease. Such proteins are helpful for locating the gene that codes for the protein.
A combination of biology and technology is known as biotechnology. Due to the subject’s multidisciplinary nature, size, and extreme diversity, it is challenging to define precisely.
In essence, it is the regulated application of biological elements, such as cellular parts or microbes, for the benefit of humans. Using biochemistry, microbiology, and engineering sciences together allows for the greatest possible usage of microorganisms and cultivated tissues/cells. Man has persisted in trying to enhance microbes’ inherent powers, give them the ability to carry out innovative activities, and construct them for very useful purposes, such as the welfare of humans. Although the phenomenon of fermentation was not fully understood, people used microorganisms in the past to produce cheese, brew alcohol, and make bread. The range of biotechnological applications is now more advanced. Transgenic (plants/animals) can be created by manipulating living creatures and transferring genetic material. The majority of modern biotechnology uses are found in the fields of agriculture and medicine. New and better foods can be produced thanks to modern technology. Recent technological advancements have enabled the development of insect-resistant crops. It has led to the creation of improved antibiotics, and vaccinations for numerous illnesses like cancer, AIDS, hereditary diseases like Huntington’s chorea, etc. in the realm of medicine. Moreover, biotechnology is used in the fields of mining, energy production, and pollution management (biofuel production). Toxic waste from industrial effluents and oil spills is cleaned up using genetically modified plants and microorganisms.
The invention of recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering altered the amazing advancement and tremendous understanding of biological processes at both the molecular and cellular level during the previous two decades. This branch of research is largely related to contemporary biotechnology, which is the use of living things to create better and more valuable goods for human consumption.
Peter Lobban, a graduate student of Prof. Dale Kaiser of the Biochemistry Department at Stanford University Medical School, came up with the concept of recombinant DNA first. The first reports demonstrating the effective synthesis and intracellular replication of recombinant DNA appeared in 1972 and 1973. Stanley N. Cohen and Herbert W. Boyer were listed as the inventors on a US patent application for recombinant DNA submitted by Stanford University in 1974. This patent was granted in 1980. Human insulin was created by Genentech and licensed by Eli Lilly and Company as the first recombinant DNA-based medication. Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is DNA that has been created using genetic recombination techniques used in laboratories (like molecular cloning) to combine genetic material from various sources, resulting in sequences that would not typically be seen in biological creatures. Because all DNA molecules have the same chemical structure, recombinant DNA is conceivable.
The use of recombinant DNA
In gene therapy, vectors
A virus that has been created utilizing recombinant DNA technology is known as a recombinant virus. This could be used to create vectors for gene therapy or viral vaccinations.
Viruses
All viruses attach to their hosts and, as part of their replication cycle, insert their genetic material into the host cell. Consequently, eliminating the viral DNA and employing the virus as a delivery system for the therapeutic DNA has been acknowledged as a feasible technique for gene therapy. Several viruses, including retrovirus, adenovirus, lentivirus, herpes simplex virus, vaccinia virus, pox virus, and adeno-associated virus, have been utilized in human gene therapy.
Gene Therapy
It has significant effects on the treatment of cancer, perhaps AIDS, and hereditary and acquired disorders. It is divided into two categories:
Germline gene therapy
By inserting functional genes, sperm or eggs can be altered. As a result, the modification is heritable and will be transmitted to succeeding generations. Although this option is not currently being evaluated for use in treating genetic problems in humans due to a variety of ethical concerns, it is theoretically very effective in doing so.
Somatic gene therapy
The gene is solely inserted in somatic cells; it is not passed down through the germline. The following two categories further divide somatic gene therapy: The transformed cell has both the defective and the normal (introduced) copies of the gene in the first case where the functional gene is injected in addition to the defective gene endogenously. The term for this is augmentation therapy. The second method is targeted gene transfer, which replaces an endogenous gene with a functional gene inserted by homologous recombination.
Recombinant Antibodies
A major advance in antibody technology has been made in the fields of functional antibody expression in bacteria and methods for choosing genes from a library based on the phenotype of the encoded polypeptide. To choose E. coli host cells that produce desired antibody fragments, phage display in conjunction with antibody gene libraries is frequently utilized in modern times. Such gene libraries are often created by genetic engineering or from natural sources, such as the spleen of an immunized animal or plasma cells from human donors. By using cassette mutagenesis or other comparable techniques, the latter has been utilized to construct naive libraries based on one or more antibody VH and VL gene segments. These databases are frequently impartial and can be applied to any antigen.
Your skin’s own microbiome is strengthened by bacteria on your hands
Your skin's own microbiome is strengthened by bacteria on your hands
How often have you thought, “I should wash those hands to get rid of those germs!” when you stared at your dirty hands? Actually, hold off on running to the closest restroom to scrub them off. It turns out that everyone’s hands are always covered in bacteria. And each person has a different skin microbiome that includes these microorganisms.
How frequently do you believe that when you contact something with your hands, microorganisms are transferred to another surface?
The answer is every second of the day, perhaps even when you’re not even aware of it.
When your face itches, you touch it. In a home, you touch surfaces. You touch your phone or the bed even when you are lying in bed.
Keep in mind that we live in a microbial environment where bacteria are present on, inside of, and all around us. Microbes and human skin communicate with one another. And through our skin, bacteria communicate with us.
About the microbes on your skin
The largest human organ is the skin. It serves as a deterrent to invasive bacteria and diseases. Scientists learned that our skin has its own microbiome as a result of advancements in the study of the human microbiome. Due to the fact that we frequently spread infections through our hands, the hand microbiome is particularly fascinating for studies in public health. Also, your index finger is the one you use the most. It has the widest range of microorganisms as a result. Hence, if you stop to think about it, hands are never Actually clean and people constantly touch a lot of objects.
The regular activities of your hand’s microbiota
We engage with many various settings throughout the course of the day with our hands. Our hand microbiota is affected by all of these interactions. This means that the microbial population on hands varies very quickly rather than being a stable, unchanging colony.As a result, it is impossible for scientists to describe or explain what a “healthy hand microbiome” is. But, we do know that each person’s hand microbiome might contain both “good” (useful) and “bad” (pathogenic) bacteria.
Bacteria that coexist with humans are referred to be “good” or “useful” bacteria. Mutualism is the name for this mutually beneficial arrangement. This implies that interactions between microbes and people are advantageous to both. Pathogen defense and immune system assistance are provided by bacteria. Humans give the skin’s habitat and nutrition necessary for bacteria to develop.
On the other hand, “bad” or “pathogenic” microorganisms originate from the environment. They are skilled at manipulating our immune system, which allows them to spread diseases like acne. We are instructed to wash our hands to get rid of certain kinds of bacteria and prevent illness as a result.
Bacteria were discovered to be the most prevalent microorganism when researchers examined what the typical hand microbiome may resemble. In addition, the microbiome of our hands’ skin contains fewer viruses and fungi. Less than 5% of the discovered microbes are these.
Factors affecting our hands’ skin microbiota
As we saw above, a variety of factors affect the composition of the microbiome on our hands. And it turns out that your way of living has the biggest influence on the microbiome in your hands. Just consider your diet, the location and manner in which you exercise, or even your employment… Several variables affect which microbes accumulate on your hands and join your skin’s microbiome.
And who would have guessed that gender had an impact on the bacteria population on your skin? It is true that the bacterial profiles of male’s and women’s skin are generally different. Nobody is aware of the reason behind this discrepancy. That might be one of the biological characteristics that set men and women apart. Not to mention how your hand microbiota is impacted by outside factors. Your skin’s microbiota alters each time you leave your home.
Also, researchers discovered that the hand microbiomes of people living in the same home are comparable. Hence, despite the fact that each person has a special collection of germs on their hands, living in the same environment makes people more similar to one another.
Also, if you have a dog, the microbial communities on its paws and the microbiome on your hands become more similar to one another. The bacteria on your hands can trade places with those on your pet when you interact with them throughout the day. Who knew that having a pet might make the bacteria on your hands more diverse?
The surfaces of our personal items, including keyboards and cell phones, are home to a wide variety of microbes. These microorganisms probably originated from our skin microbiome because they are frequently handled during the day. As an alternative to forensic investigations using human DNA, some scientists are even considering integrating microbiome analysis of personal items.
How does knowledge of the skin’s microbiome benefit us?
Hands connect our microbiota with the microbiomes of other individuals, locations, and things like busy intersections. Your hand’s microbiota can change even after a brief encounter with an inanimate object in your home. What can we discover by researching the hand microbiota, then? A second fingerprint exists in the microbiota of our hands. Hence, research in this area can reveal information on the diagnostic potential of a hand microbiome.
A microbiological tool like that might hasten the diagnosing procedure! Doctors would be able to focus just on the areas that require urgent treatment by creating generic microbiological profiles for each patient. And fewer prescriptions for broad-spectrum drugs would result from this!
Trust your gut feeling
Trust your gut feeling
How your gut flora affects your mental health: “Trust your gut feeling.”
Several distinct metabolites that enhance our health are produced by the bacteria in our gut. Some of these can reach the brain and have an impact on our emotions and mood. See how our gut flora affects our mental health by reading on.
We “simply follow our gut instinct” a lot in life. These instincts may come out of nowhere, yet they are not totally random. But do these instincts actually originate from our guts? Can we rely on our instincts? Well, the solution is not so easy. Even though they come from the brain, gut sensations are controlled by the microbes that live in our digestive tract. Researchers have discovered that our stomach contains more microorganisms than bodily cells. Hence, we share our bodies with others. The microbiome is the term for the billions of bacteria that reside inside your digestive tract. Its total mass is larger than the weight of the actual brain.
Moreover, there are roughly 20 million genes in all of these microbes. Microbiological genes are a lot more complex than our 20,000 genes.
Our brain and gut communicate with one another
Researchers began to turn their focus away from the brain in order to comprehend brain disorders. They ultimately made a connection between them and the gut microbiota. Although the specific mechanism of communication between the gut and brain is still unknown, several studies indicate that it may occur directly through the gut-brain axis.
Using a nerve known as the vagus nerve, the brain, and the gut can communicate directly. At the surface of the intestine, the vagus nerve possesses receptors. It monitors our digestion in the same way. Bacteria break down a portion of our food in the colon and create many chemicals. Several of these can activate the vagus nerve, adjusting how active the brain is.
There are other ways, meanwhile, in which the gut microbiota may affect the brain. For instance, certain bacteria in the stomach release some of the chemicals they create into the blood. The bloodstream then carries these chemical messengers to the brain. The gut microbiota likely produces or modifies half of all the chemicals in our blood. For instance, certain gut microbes contribute to the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin. They have an impact on brain cell communication, which in turn affects cognitive learning.
How our mood and mental health are influenced by our gut microbiota.
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point. This can cause stomach pain for you. In general, that might not be a problem. However, irregularities in the gut- brain connection are also connected to a number of neurological conditions, including bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, mood disorders, and depression. So, the way our gut microbiome is organized directly affects how we feel mentally. On the link between mental disorder and an imbalance of gut flora, research has begun to emerge. They frequently research animals that imitate chronic stress or depression for this purpose. For instance, they discovered that lacking particular bacterial strains in our stomachs may cause us to behave depressively. Endocannabinoids, a class of lipid compounds produced by these bacteria, are known to elevate our mood. In the absence of these microorganisms, our bodies create fewer endocannabinoids. When these molecules are absent, depression might set in.
Does an irritated stomach imply an irritated disposition?
Similar to this, individuals with intestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome frequently experience symptoms similar to depression. On the other hand, patients with brain abnormalities like Parkinson’s disease and autism spectrum disorder may also experience digestive problems including constipation. Our gut microorganisms can affect our behavior and perform important roles in our bodies. We may be able to fix some behavioral changes in neuropsychiatric illness by concentrating on gut microorganisms. Similar therapeutic possibilities include giving healthy individuals germs to sick ones. To fully comprehend the relationship between the gut and the brain, more research is nonetheless required. Better treatments for neuropsychiatric illnesses could result from further study.
To improve your mental health, change the bacteria in your stomach.
The adage “a healthy gut, a healthy mind” may be familiar to you. Thus, a healthy gut may be a crucial first step to a better and happier mentality. Not only is a healthy gut microbiota essential for proper digestion, but also for your general well- being. Obesity, heart disease, cancer, and mental problems are just a few of the conditions that can develop as a result of an imbalance in your gut microbiota. Hence, by providing your gut bacteria with a healthy diet, you support both your physical and mental wellness !