16S rRNA gene analysis of small intestinal contents and mucus layer of AIN-93G and CE-2-fed mice
We have previously found that purified diet (AIN-93G)--fed mice exhibit disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier functions, including reduced epithelial turnover, fucosylation, and antimicrobial peptide production in the ileum. Multiple lines of evidence have shown intestinal microbiota is crucial in regulating epithelial barrier functions. Since dietary pattern is a major factor that alters the gut microbiota, we hypothesized that a purified diet may influence the epithelial barrier functions through the gut microbiota. To investigate the impacts of a purified diet on the gut microbiota composition, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacterial genomic DNA was extracted from ileal contents and ileal mucus layer and subjected to sequence using a synthesized 16S rRNA genomic library.