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An engineered genetic circuit for lactose intolerance alleviation.
- Source :
-
BMC Biology . 7/5/2021, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p1-13. 13p. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: Lactose malabsorption occurs in around 68% of the world's population, causing lactose intolerance (LI) symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. To alleviate LI, previous studies have mainly focused on strengthening intestinal β-galactosidase activity while neglecting the inconspicuous drop in the colon pH caused by the fermentation of non-hydrolyzed lactose by the gut microbes. A drop in colon pH will reduce the intestinal β-galactosidase activity and influence intestinal homeostasis. Results: Here, we synthesized a tri-stable-switch circuit equipped with high β-galactosidase activity and pH rescue ability. This circuit can switch in functionality between the expression of β-galactosidase and expression of L-lactate dehydrogenase in response to an intestinal lactose signal and intestinal pH signal, respectively. We confirmed that the circuit functionality was efficient in bacterial cultures at a range of pH levels, and in preventing a drop in pH and β-galactosidase activity after lactose administration to mice. An impact of the circuit on gut microbiota composition was also indicated. Conclusions: Due to its ability to flexibly adapt to environmental variation, in particular to stabilize colon pH and maintain β-galactosidase activity after lactose influx, the tri-stable-switch circuit can serve as a promising prototype for the relief of lactose intolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *LACTOSE intolerance
*INTESTINES
*GUT microbiome
*LACTOSE
*BACTERIAL cultures
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17417007
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- BMC Biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 151251517
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-021-01070-9