Biology subjects

Hoeprich, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Hoeprich, G..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Evaluation of a Novel Recombinant Human Protein Formula Compared to Donor Human Milk and Standard Formula in Neonatal Piglets

BackgroundDespite the advancements in infant nutrition, a gap still exists in the nutritional composition bioactive ingredients between infant formula and human milk. We developed a next-generation, proof-of-concept infant formula that contains recombinant human milk proteins. ObjectiveTo determine the impact of a novel infant formula (H1) on organ growth and development, and intestinal function compared to donor human milk (DHM) and standard infant formula (S) in a term piglet model. MethodsTerm piglets delivered via cesarean section were fed either a donor human milk (DHM) control, the investigational formula (H1), or infant formula (S) for 10 days. On d 10, a blood sample and tissues were collected. ResultsThere was no difference (P > 0.05) in piglet growth, although H1 piglets had a smaller relative stomach and liver than DHM and S piglets. H1 piglets had higher (P < 0.05) interleukins in the distal ileum, but no other systemic cytokines were elevated compared to the DHM and S piglets. H1 piglet small intestinal histology was similar (P > 0.05) to that of DHM and S piglets. Additionally, H1 piglets had either the same (P > 0.05) or higher (P < 0.05) amino acids in circulation compared to DHM and S piglets. Recombinant human proteins had either similar (P > 0.05) or lower (P < 0.05) activity compared to the native human proteins when assessing the individual ingredients in the H1 formula. ConclusionH1 formula was noninferior to DHM and S based on growth, small intestinal histology and plasma amino acid endpoints when fed to neonatal piglets. These findings warrant further studies to use the neonatal piglet as a model to evaluate more in-depth outcomes of health and safety for new infant formulas. Lay SummaryA novel piglet study shows a hypoallergenic, next-generation infant formula containing recombinant human milk proteins rivals donor human milk and standard formula for growth, gut health, and nutrient status.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Identification of bacterial signals that modulate enteric sensory neurons to influence behavior in C. elegans

The bacterial microbiome influences many aspects of animal health and disease. Some bacteria have beneficial functions, for example providing nutrients, whereas others act as pathogens. These bacteria are sensed by host cells to induce adaptive changes in physiology and behavior. While immune and intestinal cells detect bacterial signals through well-characterized mechanisms, recent studies indicate that neurons can also directly sense bacterial signals. However, the bacterial sensory mechanisms in neurons are less well understood. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the enteric sensory neuron NSM innervates the pharyngeal lumen and is directly activated by bacterial food ingestion; in turn, NSM releases serotonin to induce feeding-related behaviors. However, the molecular identities of the bacterial signals that activate NSM are unknown. To identify these signals, we systematically probed bacterial macromolecules from nutritive bacteria using biochemical approaches and GC-MS identification. We find that polysaccharides from gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria are sufficient to activate NSM. We further identify peptidoglycan from gram-positive bacteria as a specific component capable of activating NSM. NSM responses to polysaccharides require the acid-sensing ion channels DEL-3 and DEL-7, which localize to its sensory dendrite in the pharyngeal lumen. Ingestion of bacterial polysaccharides enhances feeding rates and reduces locomotion, matching the known effects of NSM on behavior. We also examine bacterial signals from pathogenic bacteria that can infect and kill C. elegans. This approach identifies prodigiosin, a metabolite from pathogenic Serratia marcescens, as a bacterial cue that prevents NSM activation by nutritive bacterial signals. This study identifies molecular signals that underlie neuronal recognition of nutritive bacteria in the alimentary canal and competing signals from a pathogenic bacterial strain that mask this form of recognition.

neuroscience↗