Screening probiotic bacteria from gut bacteria using C. elegans models

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a potential therapy for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. It has been shown that FMT increased insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome. Here we show that FMT significantly restored glucose homeostasis in refractory diabetes even if the islet function were lost. Further study indicated that this therapeutic effects is associated with the fecal microbiota composition. However, it remains unclear which (group of) gut bacteria play key roles. Using an in vitro gut microbiota culture system and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models, we found a series of bacteria that isolated from gut microbiota could effectively ameliorate glucolipotoxicity, extend life span, reduce neutral lipid accumulation and regulate lipids composition. We further take effort to find the specific therapeutic target through RNAi screen. In conclusion, our study boosts the therapeutic application of FMT in the treatment of human diabetes and related diseases.