Akkermansia Muciniphila as Potential Next-Generation Beneficial Microbe : Fake or Reality ?
Patrice D CANI
Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, WELBIO- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology, Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group,
European Associated Laboratory NeuroMicrobiota (INSERM France/Belgium),
Av. E. Mounier, 73 B1.73.11 B-1200, Brussels, Belgium.
Twitter: @MicrObesity
Metabolic disorders associated with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors are worldwide epidemic. These diseases are associated with low-grade inflammation as well as changes in gut microbiota composition and activity.
We previously demonstrated that the administration of the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila prevents the development of obesity and associated complications in diet-induced obesity. Besides the numerous correlations observed, a large body of evidence has demonstrated the causal beneficial impact of this bacterium in a variety of preclinical models.
Therefore, translating these exciting observations to human would be the next logic step. After over 10 years of research, it now appears that, several obstacles that would prevent the use of A.muciniphila administration in humans have been overcome.
Briefly, we developed a synthetic medium compatible with human administration, we discovered that inactivation of A. muciniphila by pasteurization dramatically enhanced its capacity to restores the gut barrier function, to reduce fat mass development, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Finally, we discovered that Amuc_1100, a specific protein isolated from the outer membrane of A. muciniphila, recapitulates part of its beneficial effects and could be a strong candidate for future drug development.
Finally, in a pilot study we showed that administration of live or pasteurized A. muciniphila is safe in humans. Unpublished pre-clinical and human data concerning the last development and potential metabolic effects of A. muciniphila will be discussed during the presentation.
