Abstract
Trillions of microbes inhabit the human gut and build extremely complex communities. Gut microbes contribute to host metabolisms for better or worse and are widely studied and associated with health and disease. Akkermansia muciniphila is a gut microbiota member, which uses mucin as both carbon and nitrogen sources. Many studies on A. muciniphila have been conducted since this unique bacterium was first described in 2004. A. muciniphila can play an important role in our health because of its beneficial effects, such as improving type II diabetes and obesity and anti-inflammation. A. muciniphila establishes its position as a next-generation probiotic. Besides the effect of A. muciniphila on host health, a technique for boosting has been investigated. In this review, we show what factors can modulate the abundance of A. muciniphila focusing on the interaction with host-derived substances, other bacteria and diets. This review also refers to the possibility of the interaction between medicine and A. muciniphila; this will open up future treatment strategies that can increase A. muciniphila abundance in the gut. KEY POINTS: • Host-derived substances such as bile, microRNA and melatonin as well as mucin have beneficial effects on A. muciniphila. • Gut and probiotic bacteria and diet ingredients such as carbohydrates and phytochemicals could boost the abundance of A. muciniphila. • Several medicines could affect the growth of A. muciniphila.