Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of prebiotics utilization by Bifidobacterium animalis

In this study, the utilization mechanism of oligosaccharides by Bifidobacterium was investigated through the transcriptome sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics technology of Bifidobacterium animalis cultured with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). The results showed that FOS affected the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate binding transporters (ABC transporters) by increasing the expression levels of msmE, msmG, and gluA. Similarly, GOS improved aminoacyl-tRNA synthases by upregulating the expression of tRNA-Ala, tRNA-Pro, and tRNA-Met. Bifidobacterium animalis cultured with FOS and GOS produced different metabolites, such as histamine, tartaric acid, and norepinephrine, with the functions of inhibiting inflammation, alleviating depression and diseases related to brain and nervous system and maintaining body health. Furthermore, the transcriptome and metabolome analysis results revealed that FOS and GOS promoted the growth and metabolism of Bifidobacterium animalis by regulating the related pathways of carbohydrate, energy, and amino acid metabolism. Overall, the experimental results provided significant insights into the prebiotic effects of FOS and GOS.