Dag, B. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2025

Age-dependent gut microbiota dynamics and their association with male fitness traits in Drosophila melanogaster

Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a key role in shaping life history in a wide range of species, including well-studied model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster. Although recent studies have explored the relationship between gut microbiota and female life history, the link between gut microbiota and male life history remains understudied. In this study, we explored the role of gut microbiota in shaping male life history traits by correlating variation in life history traits across genetically homogeneous isolines with their naturally occurring gut microbiota. Using 22 isolines from the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP), we measured lifespan, early/late-life reproduction, and early/late-life physiological performance. We characterized the gut microbiota composition in young (5 days old) and old (26 days old) flies using 16S rDNA sequencing. We observed significant variation in male life history traits across isolines, as well as age-related changes in gut microbiota composition. Using machine learning, we showed that gut microbiota composition could predict the age of the organisms with high accuracy. Associations between gut microbiota and life history traits were notable, particularly involving the Acetobacter genus. In early life, the abundance of Acetobacter ascendens was associated with functional aging, while Acetobacter indonesiensis was linked to reproductive senescence. In late life, higher abundances of A. ascendens and Acetobacter pasteurianus were negatively associated with lifespan. These findings highlight the potential role of gut microbiota, especially the Acetobacter genus, in male fitness and aging.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2022

Adsorption Race Between Activated Carbon and Lactase for Intermolecular Interaction with Lactose

BackgroundDisturbing dyspeptic complaints may be seen in the use of milk and dairy products in people with lactose intolerance. Lactose-free milk and dairy products are produced for people with these complaints. The widespread use of activated carbon for dyspeptic complaints can also be used for adsorbing lactose. MethodsFor this purpose, the binding energy of lactase to lactose was studied in silico, lactose adsorption enthalpic changes of activated carbon were calculated by HPLC, plain and activated carbon yoghurt was produced and glucose+galactose and lactose levels were determined in yoghurts. The effects of these yogurts on serum glucose levels were compared in mice. ResultsIn silico studies, the affinity of lactase with lactose was found to be -7.12 kcal/mol. It was determined by HPLC that activated carbon adsorbed lactose with an energy of -1,785 kcal/mol, and glucose+galactose levels and lactose ratios were lower in yogurt with added activated carbon. It was determined that there was no change in serum glucose levels in the 45th and 90th minutes following fasting in the mice fed with activated carbon yogurt compared to the mice fed plain yogurt. ConclusionYogurt with activated carbon can be an alternative diet for individuals with lactose intolerance, by converting lactose to lactase in the presence of lactase and adsorbing lactose in the absence of lactose.

bioengineering↗