NMR metabolomics reveals effects of infections on host cell metabolome.

BACKGROUND

is an important gut microbe whose contributions towards infant and immunocompromise patient mortality rates are steadily increasing. Over the last decade, we have seen the development of various tools and methods for studying infection and its interactions with their hosts. One area that is sorely overlooked is the effect infection has on host metabolic processes.

RESULTS

Using a H nuclear magnetic resonance approach to metabolomics, we have explored the nature of the mouse gut metabolome as well as providing the first insight into the metabolome of an infected cell line. Statistical analysis and predictive modelling demonstrated new understandings of the effects of a infection, while verifying the presence of known metabolic changes. Of note is the potential contribution of host derived taurine to the diarrhoeal aspects of the disease previously attributed to a solely parasite-based alteration of the gut environment, in addition to other metabolites involved with host cell catabolism.

CONCLUSION

This approach will spearhead our understanding of the -host metabolic exchange and provide novel targets for tackling this deadly parasite.