Spatial Remodeling of Mucus-Associated Colonic Microbiota (MACM) by Inulin Supplementation in Mice
This project investigates the impact of dietary inulin supplementation on the spatial organization and compositional dynamics of the mucus-associated colonic microbiota (MACM). While inulin is a well-known prebiotic that enhances total luminal butyrate production, its specific ecological influence on the adherent mucus niche remains poorly understood. Using a murine model, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the MACM isolated via a stringent luminal flushing protocol to distinguish between transient luminal populations and resident mucosal communities. Our findings reveal that inulin acts as a spatial ecological filter, redistributing butyrate-producing lineages and selectively enriching mucin-adapted taxa such as Akkermansiaceae. The study further integrates metagenomic data with host epithelial responses, including Pparg and Muc2 expression, to elucidate how prebiotic fibers remodel the gut-microbiota interface. These data provide insights into the niche-specific effects of fermentable fibers on the gastrointestinal ecosystem.