Phocaeicola massiliensis

General Information

Phocaeicola massiliensis is a fascinating microorganism that has garnered attention due to its unique characteristics and potential applications in various fields of research. This bacterium was first isolated from human feces, indicating its role in the human gut microbiome. One of the most intriguing aspects of P. massiliensis is its potential involvement in the complex ecosystem of the gut, where it may play a role in maintaining gut health and influencing metabolic processes. The study of this bacterium could provide insights into the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and human health, potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches for gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, P. massiliensis has been noted for its genomic features. The genome of this bacterium reveals a variety of genes that could be involved in carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting that it may have specialized functions in breaking down complex carbohydrates in the gut. This capability could be particularly valuable for understanding how diet influences gut microbiota composition and function. From a biotechnological perspective, P. massiliensis holds promise due to its potential to produce bioactive compounds. These compounds could have applications in developing new antibiotics or other therapeutic agents, making this bacterium a subject of interest for pharmaceutical research. In summary, Phocaeicola massiliensis is a noteworthy microorganism due to its role in the human gut microbiome, its genomic characteristics, and its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Continued research on this bacterium could uncover new insights into human health and lead to innovative treatments for various diseases.

Phocaeicola massiliensis is a fascinating bacterium that was first isolated from a human clinical sample, specifically from a patient with a suspected infection. This organism is notable for its unique ecological niche, as it is part of the human gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease. Its presence in the gut suggests a potential role in digestion and nutrient absorption, making it an interesting subject for research into gut health and microbiome interactions. One of the most intriguing aspects of Phocaeicola massiliensis is its phylogenetic placement within the family of Lachnospiraceae, which includes several other beneficial gut bacteria. This positioning raises questions about its evolutionary adaptations and functional contributions to the gut ecosystem. Research into this organism could provide insights into the complex relationships between gut microbiota and host health, particularly in understanding how certain bacteria can influence metabolic processes and immune responses. Additionally, Phocaeicola massiliensis has been studied for its potential implications in clinical microbiology. Its identification in clinical samples highlights the importance of recognizing less common gut bacteria that may be involved in disease processes. This underscores the need for advanced microbiological techniques in diagnostics, as traditional methods may overlook such organisms. Overall, Phocaeicola massiliensis represents a valuable opportunity for researchers to explore the intricate dynamics of the human microbiome and its impact on health and disease, making it a significant subject of study in microbiological and medical research.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Bacteroidota

Class: Bacteroidia

Order: Bacteroidales

Family: Bacteroidaceae

Genus: Phocaeicola

Species: Phocaeicola massiliensis

NCBI ID

204516

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCA/963/360/685/GCA_963360685.1_BMTSDC17_v2

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCA_963360685.1_BMTSDC17_v2_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

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

The bacterium Phocaeicola massiliensis is a member of the human gut microbiota and has been associated with various clinical implications. It was first identified in 2013 and is known to be part of the normal flora in the intestines of healthy individuals. However, its role in disease is becoming increasingly recognized. Clinical relevance includes its potential association with infections in immunocompromised patients, where it may act as an opportunistic pathogen. There have been reports of P. massiliensis being isolated from patients with bacteremia and abscesses, indicating its pathogenic potential under certain conditions. In terms of antimicrobial resistance, there is limited data available, but like many gut bacteria, it may harbor resistance genes that could complicate treatment options. Understanding the resistance mechanisms of P. massiliensis is crucial, especially in the context of rising antibiotic resistance in gut microbiota. Moreover, the organism's interaction with the human body is complex, as it may contribute to the maintenance of gut health through its metabolic activities. However, its ability to evade the immune response and establish infections in vulnerable populations raises concerns about its pathogenicity. Currently, there are no known medical applications such as probiotics, vaccines, or therapeutics specifically targeting P. massiliensis, but ongoing research may uncover its potential benefits or risks in human health. Overall, while Phocaeicola massiliensis is primarily considered a commensal organism, its emerging role in clinical settings warrants further investigation.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

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

Phocaeicola massiliensis is a species of bacteria that has been primarily isolated from the human gut, indicating its association with the gastrointestinal tract biome. This organism thrives in the anaerobic environments of the intestines, where it plays a crucial role in the digestion of complex carbohydrates and the fermentation of dietary fibers. Its presence contributes to the overall health of the gut microbiome by aiding in nutrient absorption and maintaining a balanced microbial community. In terms of ecological niches, Phocaeicola massiliensis is often found in association with other gut microbiota, forming a complex network of interactions that can include mutualism and commensalism. These interactions are vital for the host's immune system, as they help to prevent the colonization of pathogenic bacteria and promote a healthy gut environment. Additionally, this bacterium has been linked to the human microbiome, which is influenced by various factors such as diet, age, and health status. Its adaptability to different dietary components allows it to thrive in diverse nutritional environments, making it a significant player in the gut ecosystem. Overall, Phocaeicola massiliensis exemplifies the intricate relationships within the gut biome, highlighting its importance in human health and the maintenance of microbial diversity.

Industrial Application

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

The microorganism Phocaeicola massiliensis has shown significant potential in various industrial applications. One of the primary areas of interest is in biotechnology, where Phocaeicola massiliensis can be utilized in fermentation processes to produce valuable metabolites. This organism is known to ferment complex carbohydrates, which can lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids, important for various industrial and health applications. In the realm of waste management, Phocaeicola massiliensis has been studied for its ability to degrade organic waste materials. Its enzymatic activity allows it to break down complex organic compounds, making it a candidate for biodegradation processes that can help in the treatment of wastewater and the reduction of landfill waste. Furthermore, there is potential for Phocaeicola massiliensis in biofuel production. By utilizing its fermentation capabilities, this microorganism can convert biomass into biofuels, such as bioethanol, through fermentation of sugars derived from plant materials. This process not only contributes to renewable energy sources but also aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In pharmaceutical development, the metabolic products of Phocaeicola massiliensis may have therapeutic properties, making it a subject of interest for drug discovery and development. The organism's unique metabolic pathways could lead to the identification of novel compounds with potential health benefits. Overall, Phocaeicola massiliensis demonstrates a versatile profile that can be harnessed across multiple industries, particularly in biotechnology, waste management, biofuel production, and pharmaceutical development, showcasing its importance in sustainable industrial practices.

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: 8

LLM predicted phenotypes: 5

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

Back to Search