Antibiotics and Heavy Metals Affect Hermetia illucens Gut Bacteria and Metabolites
Distinctions in larval gut bacterial communities
High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene from 24 samples yielded 1,341,350 high-quality sequences. Compared to the control (CK), Cr(VI) stress did not significantly affect gut microbiota diversity, but OTC significantly decreased it, both alone and combined with Cr(VI). Combined exposure showed similar diversity to OTC alone but lower than Cr(VI) alone. NMDS analysis confirmed significant differences due to OTC and Cr(VI) exposure, with OTC having a greater impact. Genus-level changes were observed, particularly in g_Wohlfahrtiimonas, g_Pseudogracilibacillus, g_Enterococcus, g_Sporosarcina, and g_Ralstonia. These changes suggest that Hermetia illucens larvae can adapt to different stresses and potentially remediate combined antibiotic and heavy metal contaminants.
Microbial Metabolite Distinctions in Larvae
After screening, 2575 microbial metabolites were identified. Exposure to OTC and Cr(VI), both alone and combined, altered metabolite composition and structure, with OTC having a more significant impact. Key affected pathways included amino acid metabolism, mTOR signaling, and fatty acid degradation. These changes suggest that Hermetia illucens larvae adapt to environmental stresses, indicating their potential for detoxifying combined contaminants. Specific metabolites can serve as markers for monitoring the effects of these contaminants on microbial metabolism.
Interactions Between Gut Bacteria and Metabolites
The study found significant interactions between gut bacterial genera (e.g., g_Enterococcus, g_Wohlfahrtiimonas) and microbial metabolites in response to OTC and Cr(VI) contaminants. These interactions suggest that changes in gut microbiota help maintain intestinal immune homeostasis under stress. Key metabolites influencing bacterial communities were identified, highlighting the gut microbiome's role in detoxifying contaminants. Bacterial genera like g_Enterococcus may indicate resistance and aid in bioremediation. The findings underscore the gut microbiome's flexible metabolism and its potential in improving environmental safety.
MetwareBio: Leading Multi-Omics Solutions Provider
MetwareBio is proud to contribute to this research with our 16S sequencing and TM widely-targeted metabolomics services. MetwareBio is a multiomics CRO focusing on developing and applying innovative multiomics technologies to life science and health research. With a dedicated commitment to data quality and a nuanced understanding of the unique nature of each project, MetwareBio offers tailored metabolomics, proteomics and multi-omics combination analyses services to suit diverse needs. Whether it's small-scale endeavors or large population studies, our workflows are adept at accommodating varying sample sizes and project scopes. Our extensive experience, reflected in over 4000 completed projects, underscores our proficiency in delivering reliable results. At MetwareBio, we prioritize collaboration, guiding researchers from sample extraction to data analysis to ensure their research goals are met with precision and efficiency. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any requirements or inquiries!
Reference:
Cao Q, Liu C, Chen L, Qin Y, Wang T, Wang C. Synergistic impacts of antibiotics and heavy metals on Hermetia illucens: Unveiling dynamics in larval gut bacterial communities and microbial metabolites. J Environ Manage. 2024 Aug;365:121632. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121632. Epub 2024 Jun 30. PMID: 38950506.
