Investigating the Impact of Bifidobacterium-Derived Glycoside Hydrolases on Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Infant Gut Microbiota

Abstract

This study investigates the roles of the GH2 and GH29 enzymes, derived from Bifidobacterium scardovii “ GH2” and Bifidobacterium imperatoris “GH29", in the infant gut microbiome, particularly focusing on their potential functions as β-galactosidases and fucosidases. Through a series of biochemical assays, including Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and phylogenetic analysis, the GH2 enzyme was found to likely function as a β-mannosidase, rather than a β- galactosidase. Conversely, the GH29 enzyme exhibited fucosidase activity, specifically hydrolyzing α-1,2 fucosidic linkages, which are crucial for the metabolism of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how specific enzymes influence the development and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome in infants, highlighting the potential for developing targeted prebiotics to support infant health. The research also underscores the importance of further exploring enzyme-substrate specificity to optimize therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting beneficial gut bacteria. This study opens avenues for biotechnological applications that leverage the unique properties of these enzymes in enhancing infant nutrition and gut health.