Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

General Information

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a fascinating microorganism primarily due to its role in the human gut microbiome. This bacterium is a prominent member of the Bacteroidetes phylum and is known for its complex carbohydrate metabolism. One of the most interesting aspects of B. thetaiotaomicron is its ability to break down a wide variety of polysaccharides, which are otherwise indigestible by the human host. This capability is facilitated by its large repertoire of glycoside hydrolases and polysaccharide lyases. Another unique feature of B. thetaiotaomicron is its genomic adaptability. The bacterium has a highly dynamic genome that allows it to respond to the changing nutrient landscape of the gut. This adaptability is crucial for its survival and symbiotic relationship with the host. The bacterium can switch on and off various genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, depending on the available substrates. From a research perspective, B. thetaiotaomicron is valuable for studying host-microbe interactions. It has been used extensively in gnotobiotic mouse models to understand how gut bacteria influence host physiology, including immune system development and nutrient absorption. The bacterium's ability to modulate the gut environment and interact with other microbial species makes it a key player in maintaining gut homeostasis. Moreover, B. thetaiotaomicron has been implicated in disease states such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and obesity. Its role in these conditions is an area of active research, as understanding its mechanisms could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. In summary, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a highly adaptable and metabolically versatile bacterium that plays a crucial role in the human gut ecosystem. Its ability to degrade complex carbohydrates, interact with the host immune system, and influence gut health makes it a subject of significant scientific interest.

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a prominent member of the human gut microbiota, known for its significant role in the digestion of complex carbohydrates. This anaerobic bacterium is particularly interesting due to its ability to break down polysaccharides that are otherwise indigestible by human enzymes, thus contributing to the host's energy harvest and overall metabolic health. Its unique enzymatic capabilities allow it to utilize a wide range of dietary fibers, making it a key player in maintaining gut health and influencing the composition of the gut microbiome. One of the most valuable aspects of B. thetaiotaomicron is its potential in research related to human health and disease. Studies have shown that this organism can modulate immune responses and has implications in conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and even metabolic syndrome. Its ability to interact with the host's immune system makes it a subject of interest for understanding the gut-brain axis and the role of microbiota in mental health. Furthermore, B. thetaiotaomicron has been extensively studied for its biotechnological applications. Researchers are exploring its enzymes for use in the food industry, particularly in the development of prebiotics and probiotics. The organism's genetic tractability also makes it a valuable model for studying gene function and regulation in anaerobic bacteria, providing insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. In summary, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron stands out not only for its essential role in human digestion but also for its broader implications in health, disease, and biotechnology, making it a fascinating subject for ongoing research.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Bacteroidota

Class: Bacteroidia

Order: Bacteroidales

Family: Bacteroidaceae

Genus: Bacteroides

Species: Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

NCBI ID

818

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/014/131/755/GCA_014131755.1_ASM1413175v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_014131755.1_ASM1413175v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a prominent member of the human gut microbiota and plays a crucial role in human health. It is known for its ability to ferment complex carbohydrates, contributing to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are beneficial for gut health and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, B. thetaiotaomicron is also associated with various clinical implications, particularly in the context of infections and disease associations. Pathogenicity: While B. thetaiotaomicron is generally considered a commensal organism, it can become opportunistic in immunocompromised individuals or those with disrupted gut microbiota. It has been implicated in intra-abdominal infections, bacteremia, and abscess formation. Its ability to adhere to intestinal epithelial cells and evade the host's immune response contributes to its pathogenic potential. Antimicrobial Resistance: There is growing concern regarding the antimicrobial resistance of B. thetaiotaomicron. It possesses various resistance mechanisms, including the production of beta-lactamases, which can render certain antibiotics ineffective. This resistance can complicate treatment options for infections associated with this organism. Medical Applications: On a positive note, B. thetaiotaomicron has been studied for its potential as a probiotic. Its ability to modulate the gut microbiome and enhance the immune response makes it a candidate for therapeutic applications aimed at restoring gut health. Additionally, research is ongoing into its role in the development of vaccines and therapeutics targeting gut-related diseases. In summary, while B. thetaiotaomicron is a vital component of a healthy gut microbiome, its potential to cause infections, coupled with its antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, underscores the need for continued research into its clinical implications and therapeutic potential.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a prominent member of the human gut microbiota, thriving primarily in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other mammals. This microorganism plays a crucial role in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, breaking them down into simpler sugars that can be absorbed by the host. Its presence is essential for maintaining a balanced gut ecosystem, contributing to the overall health of the host by aiding in nutrient absorption and energy harvest from dietary fibers. Habitat Characteristics: - Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is typically found in the large intestine, where it can thrive in an anaerobic environment, utilizing fermentation processes to metabolize polysaccharides. - This organism is highly adaptable, capable of utilizing a wide range of substrates, which allows it to flourish in the nutrient-rich environment of the gut. Ecological Role: - As a keystone species, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron helps to shape the gut microbiome by outcompeting pathogenic bacteria and promoting a diverse microbial community. - It engages in symbiotic relationships with the host, enhancing the immune system and protecting against gastrointestinal diseases. - The metabolic byproducts of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, such as short-chain fatty acids, are beneficial for the host, providing energy and serving as signaling molecules that influence gut health. Overall, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron exemplifies the intricate interactions within the gut biome, highlighting its importance in both ecological balance and host health.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a prominent member of the human gut microbiota and has significant potential in various industrial applications. One of the most notable areas is in biotechnology, where B. thetaiotaomicron is utilized for its ability to degrade complex polysaccharides. This capability is particularly valuable in the production of biofuels, as the organism can break down plant materials into fermentable sugars through the process of fermentation. These sugars can then be converted into ethanol or other biofuels, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. In the realm of waste management, B. thetaiotaomicron plays a crucial role in the biodegradation of organic waste. Its enzymatic activity allows it to effectively break down various organic compounds, facilitating the biodegradation process and enhancing the efficiency of composting systems. This not only helps in reducing waste but also in producing nutrient-rich compost that can be used in agriculture. Furthermore, B. thetaiotaomicron has been studied for its potential in pharmaceutical development. Its ability to modulate the gut microbiome can influence drug metabolism and efficacy, making it a candidate for developing probiotics that enhance drug absorption and therapeutic outcomes. The organism's unique enzymatic pathways are also being explored for the production of novel biopharmaceuticals through enzyme production. Overall, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron demonstrates a wide range of applications across various industries, particularly in biotechnology, waste management, and pharmaceutical development, showcasing its importance in both environmental sustainability and health.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 10

LLM predicted phenotypes: 2

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	openchat/openchat-7b	google/gemini-flash-1.5	google/gemini-pro	google/gemma-7b-it	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-pro-1.5	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro
Motility	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	true ✗	true ✗	true ✗	true ✗
Gram staining	gram stain negative	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓
Aerophilicity	anaerobic	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	anaerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	TRUE	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓
Biosafety level	biosafety level 2	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓
Health association	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	bacillus	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	coccus ✗	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	coccus ✗	coccus ✗	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓	bacillus ✓

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