Modulation of fat storage in a subject by altering population levels of christensenellaceae in the gi tract

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions that have substantially purified Christensenellaceae bacteria, and uses of these compositions to alter the microbiome of an individual. The addition of Christensenellaceae bacteria, such as Christensenella, to the microbiome of an individual can treat or prevent weight gain, reduce body weight, inhibit fat accumulation, reduce excess adiposity, and reduce a high body mass index (BMI), and can also treat or prevent conditions correlating with excess weight and fat and a high RMT, such as insulin sensitivity, metabolic syndrome, excess adiposity, and diabetes.

1 . A method of inhibiting weight gain, promoting weight loss, or reducing adiposity in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising substantially purified Christensenellaceae bacteria to said subject. 
     
     
         2 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 measuring levels of Christensenellaceae bacteria in a biological sample from said subject, prior to said administering an effective amount of a composition comprising substantially purified Christensenellaceae bacteria to said subject, wherein the effective amount of the composition comprising substantially purified Christensenellaceae bacteria administered to said subject is based on the measured levels of Christensenellaceae bacteria in said sample. 
 
     
     
         25 . A composition suitable for human consumption comprising probiotic bacteria, wherein said probiotic bacteria comprises purified  Christensenella minuta  bacteria which comprise the 16S rRNA gene sequence of any of SEQ ID NOS: 5-8 and/or which comprise the 16S rRNA gene sequence having at least 90% identify to any of SEQ ID NOS: 1-2, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein said composition comprises 10 6  to 10 12  viable colony forming units (CFUs) of said  Christensenella minuta  bacteria. 
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein said composition comprises about 10 8  to 10 11  CFU of said  Christensenella minuta  bacteria. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein at least 50% of the  Christensenella minuta  bacteria in said composition are viable. 
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein said composition comprises lyophilized Christensenellaceae bacteria. 
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet. 
     
     
         31 . The composition of  claim 30 , wherein said tablet composition comprises at least one of the following: at least one excipient selected from microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, dibasic calcium phosphate and glycine; at least one disintegrant selected from corn, potato or tapioca starch, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, and complex silicate; at least one granulation binder selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), sucrose, gelatin and acacia; at least one lubricating agent selected from magnesium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate and talc, or any combination of the foregoing. 
     
     
         32 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein said composition is in the form of an aqueous or oil suspension, solution, emulsion, syrup or elixir. 
     
     
         33 . The composition of  claim 32 , wherein said composition further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles, edible oils, preservatives, conventional flavorings, and colorants. 
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 25 , wherein said composition is formulated as a tablet, capsule, oral liquid preparation, reconstitutable powder or suspension which comprises 10 6  to 10 12  viable colony forming units (CFUs) of said  Christensenella minuta.    
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 25  further comprising a food or food supplement. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 25  further comprising a nutritional supplement. 
     
     
         37 . The composition of  claim 36  further comprising a dairy based product selected from the group consisting of fermented milk, vegetable milk, soybean milk, butter, cheese or yoghurt, and fruit juice. 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 25  further comprising a food or drink for consumption by adult and/or infant humans and/or animals. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 25  further comprising a probiotic composition.