Project name: Obesity-enriched gut microbes promote lipid absorption via inositol metabolism

Description: Metagenome-wide association studies have reported numerous associations between gut microbes and obesity. However, the microbes that causally contribute to obesity and the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined. In this study, we conducted metagenomic sequencing in a young Chinese cohort of 631 obese subjects and 374 normal-weight controls. Intriguingly, we identified a novel Megamonas-dominated, enterotype-like cluster in fecal samples, which was highly prevalent in obese subjects. Among 814 subjects receiving whole genome sequencing (WGS), we further revealed that polygenic risk scores for BMI (PRSBMI) and the gut microbiota independently explain ~5% of the total variations in BMI. Specifically, Megamonas carriers with higher PRSBMI showed significantly higher BMI levels than others. Supplementation of Megamonas rupellensis degraded inositol and promoted high-fat diet-induced obesity via increasing intestinal lipid absorption. Together, our findings identify Megamonas as an inositol degrader increasing lipid absorption and obesity. Inhibition of Megamonas may provide a therapeutic strategy for obesity and metabolic disturbances.

Data type: Metagenome

Sample scope: Multispecies

Relevance: Other

Release date: 2024-07-22

Last updated: 2024-07-22

Data size: 5.51TB