AUTHOR=Li Wenxi , Lin Xiaoqian , Liang Hewei , Wu Zhinan , Wang Mengmeng , Sun Jingxi , Li Xiaofang , He Wenxin , Gao Xiaowei , Hu Tongyuan , Xiao Liang , Zou Yuanqiang 

TITLE=Genomic and functional diversity of the human-derived isolates of Faecalibacterium

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1379500

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1379500

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p><italic>Faecalibacterium</italic> is one of the most abundant bacteria in the gut microbiota of healthy adults, highly regarded as a next-generation probiotic. However, the functions of <italic>Faecalibacterium</italic> genomes from cultured strains and the distribution of different species in populations may differ among different sources.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>We here performed an extensive analysis of pan-genomes, functions, and safety evaluation of 136 <italic>Faecalibacterium</italic> genomes collected from 10 countries.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The genomes are clustered into 11 clusters, with only five of them were characterized and validly nomenclated. Over 80% of the accessory genes and unique genes of <italic>Faecalibacterium</italic> are found with unknown function, which reflects the importance of expanding the collection of <italic>Faecalibacterium</italic> strains. All the genomes have the potential to produce acetic acid and butyric acid. Nine clusters of <italic>Faecalibacterium</italic> are found significantly enriched in the healthy individuals compared with patients with type II diabetes..</p></sec><sec><title>Discussion</title><p>This study provides a comprehensive view of genomic characteristic and functions and of culturable <italic>Faecalibacterium</italic> bacterium from human gut, and enables clinical advances in the future.</p></sec>