Multi-Omics Analysis of the Effects of Egg Ovotransferrin on the Gut Environment in Mice: Mucosal Gene Expression, Microbiota Composition, and Intestinal Structural Homeostasis.

SCOPE: Egg ovotransferrin (OVT) is considered a functional food ingredient for its various bioactivities. The objective of this work is to explore the potential biological activity of OVT on the gut health.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Both young (3 week old) and adult (8 week old) mouse models are utilized in this research. Each group receives a standard diet containing either OVT (experimental group) or distilled water (control group) for a 14 day period. Transcriptome and 16S rDNA sequencing analyses are applied to characterize the gene expression in colonic epithelial cells and gut microbiota composition. In the young groups, OVT suppresses the genes correlated with lipid metabolism and signal transduction. The regulated genes in the adult groups encompass various biological processes, including lipid metabolism, signal transduction, endocrine system, and others. OVT increases the proportion of some beneficial bacteria significantly, especially Akkermansia, and inhibits some harmful bacteria. Furthermore, OVT affects mucosal morphology positively via increasing the crypt depth. OVT also increases the expression of tight junction protein occludin by 3.0- and 5.2-folds in young and adult groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION: OVT exhibits some beneficial effects on the gut environment. These positive findings provide new insight into the understanding of OVT as an excellent functional ingredient.