Akkermansia muciniphila

Definition

Akkermansia muciniphila is a Gram-negative, anaerobic, mucin-degrading bacterium that is commonly found in the human gut microbiome. It is a member of the phylum Verrucomicrobia and is known for its role in maintaining gut health and metabolic homeostasis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Akkermansia muciniphila is considered a beneficial or 'next-generation' probiotic due to its association with improved gut barrier function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced metabolic health.
2. The abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut has been inversely correlated with the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
3. Akkermansia muciniphila can utilize mucin as its sole carbon and nitrogen source, which helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucus layer.
4. This bacterium has been shown to modulate host immune responses and interact with other gut microbes, contributing to the overall homeostasis of the gut ecosystem.
5. Akkermansia muciniphila is sensitive to environmental factors, such as diet and antibiotic treatment, which can lead to fluctuations in its abundance within the gut microbiome.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of Akkermansia muciniphila in the context of the human gut microbiome.
  • Akkermansia muciniphila is a key member of the gut microbiome, known for its ability to degrade mucin, a component of the intestinal mucus layer. By maintaining the integrity of the mucus layer, Akkermansia muciniphila helps to support gut barrier function and prevent the translocation of harmful microbes and toxins. Additionally, this bacterium has been associated with improved metabolic health, as its abundance is inversely correlated with the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Akkermansia muciniphila can also modulate host immune responses and interact with other gut microbes, contributing to the overall homeostasis of the gut ecosystem.
• Explain the relationship between Akkermansia muciniphila and the phylum Verrucomicrobia.
  • Akkermansia muciniphila is a member of the phylum Verrucomicrobia, which is a group of Gram-negative bacteria. The Verrucomicrobia phylum is known for its ability to degrade complex carbohydrates, such as the mucin found in the intestinal mucus layer. As a member of this phylum, Akkermansia muciniphila shares this metabolic capability, allowing it to utilize mucin as its primary carbon and nitrogen source. This specialized niche within the gut microbiome contributes to the important role Akkermansia muciniphila plays in maintaining gut homeostasis and promoting overall metabolic health.
• Evaluate the potential of Akkermansia muciniphila as a 'next-generation' probiotic and discuss the factors that may influence its abundance in the gut microbiome.
  • Akkermansia muciniphila is considered a 'next-generation' probiotic due to its numerous beneficial effects on gut health and metabolic function. By degrading mucin and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucus layer, Akkermansia muciniphila helps to support gut barrier function and prevent the translocation of harmful microbes and toxins. Additionally, its inverse correlation with the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes suggests that it may play a role in metabolic regulation. However, the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut microbiome can be sensitive to environmental factors, such as diet and antibiotic treatment. Factors that disrupt the gut microbiome, like a high-fat diet or antibiotic use, can lead to a decrease in Akkermansia muciniphila abundance, potentially impacting its beneficial effects. Understanding the factors that influence Akkermansia muciniphila abundance is crucial for developing strategies to maintain a healthy gut microbiome and promote overall metabolic well-being.

Related terms

Verrucomicrobia:

A phylum of Gram-negative bacteria that includes the genus Akkermansia, which is known for its ability to degrade mucin, a component of the intestinal mucus layer.

Mucin: A glycoprotein that is a major component of the protective mucus layer lining the gastrointestinal tract, which serves as a nutrient source for bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila.

Gut Microbiome:

The diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, that reside in the human gastrointestinal tract and play a crucial role in various aspects of human health.