Proximal colon–derived O-glycosylated mucus encapsulates and modulates the microbiota

So much more to mucus Mammals accommodate a dense community of metabolically active microorganisms in their gut. This is not a passive relationship, and host and microbe have antagonistic as well as mutualistic responses to each other. Using a whole-colon imaging method in mice, Bergstromet al. looked at the role of colonic mucus in segregating the microbiota from host cells during elimination of feces (see the Perspective by Birchenough and Johansson). Host goblet cells synthesize two forms of mucin that differ in branched chain O-glycosylation and the site of production in the colon. A “thick” mucus in the proximal, ascending colon wraps the microbiota to form fecal pellets. Transit along the distal, descending colon is lubricated by “thin” mucus that transiently links with the thick mucus. Normal mucus encapsulation prevents inflammation and hyperplasia and thus is important for maintenance of a healthy gut.Science , this issue p.467 ; see also p.402