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Human intestinal fungus Clavispora lusitaniae attenuates colitis through Pyruvate decarboxylase-derived Indole-3-ethanol

Author

Listed:
  • Fan Wu

    (Dalian Medical University
    Dalian Medical University)

  • Yan Wang

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Zhenpeng Mai

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Zhichao Xu

    (Northeast Forestry University)

  • Shenghui Li

    (Puensum Genetech Institute)

  • Yu Li

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Ruiqiao Yin

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Jiamin Li

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Zhenlong Yu

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Yuzhuo Wu

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Xiangge Tian

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Xiaoying Feng

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Xiaokui Huo

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Chao Wang

    (Dalian Medical University
    Dalian Medical University)

  • Xiaochi Ma

    (Dalian Medical University
    Dalian Medical University
    Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine)

Abstract

Gut mycobiome dysbiosis has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it remains unknown whether specific fungal species identified by sequencing directly contribute to IBD pathogenesis. Here, based on analysis of three fecal metagenome datasets of IBD cohorts and a previously established cultivated gut fungi catalog, we identify an IBD-depleted intestinal fungus Clavispora lusitaniae strain P4013B. We show P4013B attenuates DSS-induced colitis in wild-type, antibiotics-treated, and germ-free mice through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Using an activity-guided isolation strategy, we identify the P4013B metabolite indole-3-ethanol (IEt) as the AHR agonist mediating the anti-colitis activity. We further validate the role of IEt via engineering strains that overexpress pyruvate decarboxylases producing high yields of IEt. Tea polysaccharide enhanced the anti-colitis activity of P4013B by promoting its proliferation and colonization in the colon. Together, these results suggest that C. lusitaniae P4013B may be explored as a potential probiotic for the treatment and prevention of IBD.

Suggested Citation

  • Fan Wu & Yan Wang & Zhenpeng Mai & Zhichao Xu & Shenghui Li & Yu Li & Ruiqiao Yin & Jiamin Li & Zhenlong Yu & Yuzhuo Wu & Xiangge Tian & Xiaoying Feng & Xiaokui Huo & Chao Wang & Xiaochi Ma, 2025. "Human intestinal fungus Clavispora lusitaniae attenuates colitis through Pyruvate decarboxylase-derived Indole-3-ethanol," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64914-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64914-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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