Lifelong consumption of freeze-dried Parabacteroides distasonis improves gut barrier integrity and extends lifespan and health span in Drosophila melanogaster

In Drosophila melanogaster, age-related inflammation in the gut results in a disruption of gut barrier integrity, which can lead to reduced intestinal function and death. The anaerobic bacterium Parabacteroides distasonis (Pd) has anti-inflammatory properties and can attenuate tumorigenesis and promote intestinal barrier integrity in a mouse model of colorectal cancer.

Here, we show that administration of Pd to adult Drosophila significantly increases mean lifespan and promotes maintenance of climbing ability throughout adult life. Furthermore, it enhances gut barrier integrity in aged adults. RNA-Seq analysis of Pd treated adult guts indicates that the enhanced healthspan is accompanied by transcriptional upregulation of genes involved in DNA replication and maintenance of genome integrity.