Catherine Liou

All Publications

• A Metabolic Pathway for Activation of Dietary Glucosinolates by a Human Gut Symbiont. Cell Liou, C. S., Sirk, S. J., Diaz, C. A., Klein, A. P., Fischer, C. R., Higginbottom, S. K., Erez, A., Donia, M. S., Sonnenburg, J. L., Sattely, E. S. 2020; 180 (4): 717

  Abstract

  Consumption of glucosinolates, pro-drug-like metabolites abundant in Brassica vegetables, has been associated with decreased risk of certain cancers. Gut microbiota have the ability to metabolize glucosinolates, generating chemopreventive isothiocyanates. Here, we identify a genetic and biochemical basis for activation of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a prominent gut commensal species. Using a genome-wide transposon insertion screen, we identified an operon required for glucosinolate metabolism in B.thetaiotaomicron. Expression of BT2159-BT2156 in a non-metabolizing relative, Bacteroides fragilis, resulted in gain of glucosinolate metabolism. We show that isothiocyanate formation requires the action of BT2158 and either BT2156 or BT2157 invitro. Monocolonization of mice with mutant BtDelta2157 showed reduced isothiocyanate production in the gastrointestinal tract. These data provide insight into the mechanisms by which a common gut bacterium processes an important dietary nutrient.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cell.2020.01.023

  View details for PubMedID 32084341