Work

Functional gut variability drives metabolic and transcriptional features in neonatal piglets

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The inherent inter-individual variability and associated complexity of dietary response constitute a major research challenge, but also present an opportunity to trace personalized patterns that may serve as targets for improving health. Here, we investigated the function of α-lactalbumin, a rich source of tryptophan, in a formula feeding study. We leveraged neonatal piglets as a preclinical model for human infants and took a systems-level approach that integrates evidence from serum, urine, liver, brain, and the gastrointestinal tract. Transcriptional and metabolomics analysis revealed an individualized, divergent response to α-lactalbumin linked to either efficient utilization of tryptophan by the host or production of indole-3-lactate by intestinal microbiota. This variability was further highlighted by differences in metabolic and immunological effects in a tissue-specific manner. Our work highlights the importance of considering the nutrition-microbiota-host metabolism axis to optimize the phenotypic response of a diet.

Source: npj Science of Food

DOI: 10.1038/s41538-025-00571-z

Authors: Xuan He, Shannon Shoff, Hanna Lee, Merete Lindberg Hartvigsen, Anne Staudt Kvistgaard, Carolyn M. Slupsky

Institutions: University of California, Davis, California Polytechnic State University, Arla Foods (Denmark)

Language: English

Topic: Infant Nutrition and Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,790