Bacillus subtilis KM0 Impacts gut Microbiota Profile and Transcription of Genes Related to Transcellular Transport in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

It is known that probiotic microorganisms play important roles in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Also, probiotics can affect the paracellular and transcellular transport mechanisms performed by intestinal cells. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the potential probiotic Bacillus subtilis KM0 on the profile of the gut microbiota and transcription of genes related to intestinal transport of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish was exposed by immersion to B. subtilis KM0 for 48 h, and the intestines were collected for metataxonomic analysis and transcription of genes related to transcellular and paracellular transports. Although exposure to B. subtilis changed the intestinal microbiota profile of zebrafish, the diversity indices were not altered. A decrease in the number of genera of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Flavobacterium, Plesiomonas, and Pseudomonas) and downregulation in transcription of transcellular transport genes (cubn and amn) were observed. B. subtilis KM0 strain had the expected probiotic effect, by interfering with the proliferation of potentially pathogenic bacteria and decreasing the transcription of genes codifying for signals involved with a mechanism that can be used for invasion by pathogens. The present study demonstrated that, even with a short-term exposure, a bacterium with probiotic potential such as the KM0 strain of B. subtilis can modify the profile of the host's intestinal microbiota, with an impact on the regulation of intestinal genes related to mechanisms that can be used for invasion by pathogenic bacteria.