Biology subjects

Schoustra, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Schoustra, S..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Modulation of gut microbiota through in vitro exposure to a traditional fermented food in the context of pathogen invasion

The gut microbiota consisting of bacteria, fungi, archea, and viruses and plays a role as a barrier against pathogen invasion to promote intestinal health and preventing organismal infections. This study examined the potential protective properties of Mabisi, a widely consumed traditional fermented dairy product in Zambia, against pathogen invasion in the gut. Using the in-vitro static INFOGEST model, we challenged the gut microbiota from a pooled stool sample pf six Zambian children) and previously exposed to Mabisi by adding model pathogens. We hypothesized that pathogen invasion is suppressed in in-vitro gut microbiota treated with Mabisi due to its ability to modulate the gut microbiota composition. Our microbiota challenge treatments were Mabisi, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as a positive control, sterile water as a negative control, and with and without pathogens. Out of the two strains of pathogens added to the gut microbiota, Escherichia coli established in FOS treated gut microbiota, however not in Mabisi and sterile water treatments. Furthermore, we show that Mabisi modulated gut microbiota by increasing Pediococcus, a commensal bacteria and increased production of short chain fatty acids including acetate, propionate, lactate, isobutyrate, formate, and succinate in Mabisi treated gut microbiota compared to both FOS and sterile water treated gut microbiota. This study contributes to evidence of the beneficial role of fermented foods such as Mabisi through the prevention of pathogen invasion of the gut microbiota in children. ImportanceThis study provides evidence supporting the protective role of Mabisi, a traditional fermented dairy product, in preventing pathogen invasion in the gut microbiota of children. By using an in-vitro approach, we demonstrate that Mabisi treatment suppresses the establishment of Escherichia coli, a key pathogen, unlike fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a well-known prebiotic. Additionally, Mabisi modulates gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial bacteria such as Pediococcus and enhancing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, which is essential for gut health. These findings highlight the potential of traditional fermented foods as affordable, accessible dietary interventions for improving gut health and preventing infections, particularly in low-resource settings like Zambia.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2024

Shifts and rebound in microbial community function following repeated introduction of a novel species

Natural microbial communities continually encounter novel species that may successfully establish or simply be transient, yet both outcomes can alter the resident community composition and function. Preserving natural microbial communities and innovating synthetic ones requires insight on the immediate and long-term impact of species introductions on both composition and function. For instance, it remains unclear whether there are gradual and long-term impacts from repeated invasions where the introduced species fails to establish - so-called failed invaders. To investigate the persistent impacts by failed invaders, we present an experimental test of community stability over multiple generations against repeated novel species introduction. We propagated a natural microbial community from a traditional fermented milk beverage for approximately 100 generations, with or without, repeated introduction of Escherichia coli at each transfer. Community function was determined by metabolic profiling, and we observed alterations therein immediately after E. coli introduction, followed by recovery, or rebound once ceased. In contrast to this proxy of community function, changes in the bacterial community composition were never detected. Our results evidence that community composition and function do not necessarily respond in parallel to an introduced species, potentially due to genotypic changes below species level detection or metabolic plasticity. Our work shows an ability for functional recovery in microbial communities and contributes insight on long-term community stability to sustained disturbances.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2018

Policy driven changes in animal research practices: mapping researchers’ attitudes towards animal-free innovations using the Netherlands as an example

Reducing the number of animals used in experiments has become a priority for the governments of many countries. For these reductions to occur, animal-free alternatives must be made more available and, crucially, must be embraced by researchers. We conducted an international online survey for academics in the field of animal science (N=367) to explore researchers attitudes towards the implementation of animal-free innovations.\n\nThrough this survey we address three key questions. The first question is whether scientists who use animals in their research consider governmental goals for animal-free innovations achievable and whether they would support such goals. Secondly, responders were asked to rank the importance of ten roadblocks that could hamper the implementation of animal-free innovations. Finally, responders were asked whether they would migrate (either themselves or their research) if increased animal research regulations in their country of residence restricted their research. While nearly half (40%) of the responders support governmental goals, the majority (71%) of researchers did not consider such goals achievable in their field within the near future. In terms of roadblocks for implementation of animal-free methods, [~]80% of the responders considered reliability as important, making it the most highly ranked roadblock. However, all other roadblocks were reported by the majority of responders as somewhat important, suggesting that they must also be considered when addressing animal-free innovations. Importantly, a majority reported that they would consider migration to another country in response to restrictive animal research policy. Thus, governments must consider the risk of researchers migrating to other institutes, states or countries, leading to a brain-drain if policies are too strict or suitable animal-free alternatives are not available. Our findings suggest that development and implementation of animal-free innovations are hampered by multiple factors. We outline three pillars concerning education, governmental influence and data sharing, the implementation of which may help to overcome these roadblocks to animal-free innovations.

scientific communication and education↗