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Summary. Commonly cited in human gut microbiome research as influencing - or serving as markers of - intestinal health, metabolism, and immune function. Below is a non-exhaustive list validated qPCR assays. Contact us for information about additional species.
Gut Barrier Integrity
Short chain fatty acid producer. Bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) - such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate - break down dietary fibers and other complex carbohydrates that human digestive mechanisms cannot digest, converting them into SCFAs.
Hydrogen sulfide producer. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producing bacteria in the gut can play a complicated role in gut health. At low, physiologically normal levels, hydrogen sulfide can have some signaling or regulatory functions. However, when these organisms become overly abundant, they can increase H2S concentrations to levels that may cause or exacerbate intestinal inflammation and epithelial damage.
Mucin degrader. Mucin-degrading bacteria help maintain a healthy turnover of the mucus layer. This process allows for the production of fresh mucus, which helps keep the barrier robust. However, if these bacteria become overabundant then degradation can outpace replenishment. The result is a thinned mucus layer, exposing the intestinal epithelium to potential pathogens and increasing the risk of “leaky gut” or inflammatory conditions.
Health Status
Many microbes in the gut do not have a single, well-defined function. These microbes appear consistently in healthy microbiomes, where they are presumed beneficial or at least neutral. Their precise metabolic activities remain unclear, and they may shift between positive and negative roles depending on factors such as the broader microbiome composition, diet, host genetics, or overall health status. These organisms remain important but mysterious members of the microbiome whose significance often lies in helping maintain the overall balance and stability of the gut ecosystem rather than performing a single, clearly defined task.