Characterizing temporal and inter-individual functional differences in infant gut microbiome by a metaproteomics approach

摘要

In this study, we employed a metaproteomic pipeline to characterize the temporal microbial functions and interactions with human host in four premature infant gut, aiming to examine the inter-individual functional commonalities and differences among multiple infants. KEGG mapping of all identified proteins revealed both host- and microbiome- associated metabolic pathways/activities. In addition to these core metabolisms, several pathways/proteins were found unique to a particular infant, indicating types of unique microbial functions. Trefoil factor 3 and tight junction proteins were detected with low abundance or not detected, suggesting that the epithelial barrier was immature or still under development in these premature infants. In addition, proteins participating in the host immunity were constantly abundant over time as essential components in the balance and control of gut microbiome and the maturation of human immune system.