Correlation of metal homeostasis and catabolism of Prevotellaceae in the rumen

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Julia Fritz-Steuber; Professorin Dr. Jana Seifert
• Subject Area: Animal Breeding, Animal Nutrition, Animal Husbandry ; Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 327953272

In order to be able to utilize plant feed, ruminants have a consortium of various microorganisms in their rumen, which break down cellulose-containing fibers and convert them to fatty acids in various fermentation processes. The formation of fatty acids and the newly formed microbial protein serve as essential food sources for the metabolism of the ruminant. Here, the bacterial genus Prevotella, which is particularly abundant in the rumen microbiome, is of particular importance. In this collaborative project, we will describe the degradation pathways for carbohydrates and proteins in Prevotella, investigating the extent to which the availability of essential trace metals such as iron and zinc influences the catabolism of Prevotella and thus the provision of nutrition to the cow. Using state-of-the-art microscopic techniques, we will also study the interaction of Prevotella with its surrounding extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) matrix, as the EPS matrix is thought to play an important role in the resilience of Prevotella to antimicrobial agents such as monensin. In a cross-scale approach, we will study single molecules (enzymes and transporters), Prevotella cells from pure culture, and microbial consortia. The goal is a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic performance of Prevotella under varying metal availability, or in the presence of the antibiotic monensin, with respect to cow nutrition.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants