Exploring myo-inositol metabolizing anaerobic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of laying hens

Introduction: Myo-inositol (MI), a cyclic polyalcohol sugar, holds significant importance in avian physiology notably impacting metabolic and regulatory functions. However, the metabolic pathway of MI in poultry remains unclear. Few studies indicate the metabolization of MI by some bacteria, raising speculation about the potential involvement of gut microbiota utilizing MI as a carbon or energy source. Although a diverse range of bacteria possess genes involved in this pathway belonging to the iol gene cluster, detailed information regarding specific bacterial species, core genes, their participation, and enzyme function remains limited. Furthermore, there is a need to explore the metabolism of MI within bacterial communities.

Goal: This study intends to investigate the possible involvement of anaerobic bacteria in MI metabolism. The approach involves isolating and identifying potential bacterial strains that harbor iol genes capable of MI degradation or utilization in the gastrointestinal tract of laying hens, either as individual strains or within a community.

Materials & Methods: Anaerobic bacterial strains were isolated from the ileum section of the laying hen. Using custom-designed minimal media and molecular techniques, a total of 107 bacterial strains were isolated, and redundant strains were identified using the ARDRA technique. Subsequently, the taxonomic diversity of 45 selected strains was determined through 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results: The sequencing results revealed that the isolated strains belonged to Pseudomonadota (65%), Bacillota (33%), and Bacteroidota (2%). Among these strains, 13% belonged to Risk Group 1, while 87% belonged to Risk Group 2.

Summary: These findings suggest a potential association of various bacterial taxa in MI metabolism. While further investigation to elucidate the specific roles of bacteria in MI metabolism and the underlying metabolic pathway is ongoing, these preliminary findings provide a novel glimpse into the potential interactions between diverse bacteria working synergistically which might further reveal the relationship between gut microbiota and MI metabolism in laying hens.