Publications by authors named "Maxwell Okros"

Bile acids (BAs) are steroid detergents in bile that contribute to the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins while shaping the gut microbiome because of their antimicrobial properties. Here we identify the enzyme responsible for a mechanism of BA metabolism by the gut microbiota involving amino acid conjugation to the acyl-site of BAs, thus producing a diverse suite of microbially conjugated bile acids (MCBAs). We show that this transformation is mediated by acyltransferase activity of bile salt hydrolase (bile salt hydrolase/transferase, BSH/T).

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Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder causing poor mucociliary clearance in the airways and subsequent respiratory infection. The recently approved triple therapy Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ETI) has significantly improved lung function and decreased airway infection in persons with CF (pwCF). This improvement has been shown to occur rapidly, within the first few weeks of treatment.

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Article Synopsis
  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that leads to respiratory issues, but recent triple therapy (Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor, or ETI) has shown rapid improvements in lung function and reduced infections in patients.
  • Researchers conducted a study using advanced techniques on sputum samples from CF patients on ETI therapy and those not receiving ETI, to compare lung function and infection dynamics over time.
  • Results indicated that lung function improved for those on ETI, and while microbiome and metabolome changes were individualized, a more dynamic microbial community was observed in treated subjects, highlighting the varied impacts of the therapy.
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Bile acids (BAs) are steroid detergents in bile that contribute to fat absorption, cell signaling, and microbiome interactions. The final step in their synthesis is amino acid conjugation with either glycine or taurine in the liver by the enzyme bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase (BAAT). Here, we describe the microbial, chemical, and physiological consequences of Baat gene knockout.

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