The human gut microbiome is no longer viewed as a passive observer of health but as an active pharmacological engine. Among its most influential residents is Eggerthella lenta (E. lenta), a Gram-positive, anaerobic Actinobacterium that has emerged as a cornerstone of microbiome-host interactions. From modulating the efficacy of cardiac drugs to influencing the progression of autoimmune diseases and cancer, E. lenta represents a critical target for the next generation of Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs).
At Creative Biolabs, we bridge the gap between complex microbial ecology and clinical application. As a premier Contract Research Organization (CRO), we provide a comprehensive Eggerthella lenta based Microbiome Therapeutic Research Service, empowering researchers to unlock the therapeutic potential of this versatile strain through rigorous preclinical validation.
Overview of Eggerthella lenta
Eggerthella lenta is a high-GC, non-spore-forming anaerobe commonly found in the human digestive tract. While it has historically been associated with rare cases of bacteremia, modern metagenomics has revealed its ubiquitous presence in healthy individuals (prevalence ranging from 20% to 80%).
Key Biological Features:
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Metabolic Specialist: Unlike many gut bacteria, E. lenta does not typically metabolize common sugars. Instead, it relies on specialized pathways, such as the arginine dihydrolase pathway, for energy.
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Pharmacological Interface: It is the "textbook example" of microbial drug metabolism, famously known for its ability to inactivate the cardiac drug digoxin via the cgr operon.
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Immunomodulator: It has a profound ability to induce Th17 cell differentiation, linking it to systemic inflammation and various autoimmune conditions.
Our Preclinical Research Services
We offer an end-to-end service platform specifically tailored for E. lenta research, ensuring that your LBP or small-molecule candidate is tested against the most relevant microbial backgrounds.
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Strain Isolation & Identification: Specialized anaerobic culture techniques to isolate E. lenta from clinical samples.
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Metabolic Profiling: Quantifying the degradation or transformation of drugs, polyphenols, and bile acids using LC-MS/MS.
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Genetic Screening: Identification of the cgr operon and other functional gene clusters using whole-genome sequencing (WGS).
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Gnotobiotic Mouse Models: Utilizing Germ-Free (GF) mice colonized specifically with E. lenta to study isolated host-microbe interactions.
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Disease-Specific Models: Efficacy testing in DSS-induced colitis, Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA), and syngeneic tumor models.
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Immunophenotyping: High-dimensional flow cytometry to assess Th17/Treg balance and cytokine profiles (IL-17, TNF-α, IL-6)
Our Product Portfolio
To support your internal R&D, we provide high-quality reagents and microbial resources:
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Product Name
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Catalog No.
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Target
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Product Overview
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Datasheet
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Price
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Eggerthella lenta Genomic DNA
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LBGF-0925-GF305
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Eggerthella DNA
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This product contains high-quality, intact genomic DNA isolated from Eggerthella lenta Genomic DNA. It is a purified and ready-to-use DNA sample, ideal for a wide range of molecular biology applications, including PCR, qPCR, and Next-Generation Sequencing.
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Datasheet
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$720.00
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Research Applications in Disease Treatment
Current research into E. lenta spans several high-impact therapeutic areas. Understanding these applications is essential for developing targeted LBPs or companion diagnostics.
E. lenta has been identified as a potent driver of Th17-mediated inflammation.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Studies show that E. lenta abundance correlates with RA severity. In preclinical models, it triggers the production of autoantibodies and mimics metabolic shifts seen in aging (senescence).
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): High levels of E. lenta are frequently found in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, where it contributes to the pro-inflammatory milieu by producing specific lipids that activate TLR receptors.
The role of E. lenta in cancer is dual-faceted:
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Metabolic Enhancement: Recent research indicates that E. lenta can metabolize natural compounds like resveratrol into more active derivatives (e.g., dihydroresveratrol), which exhibit stronger anti-tumor effects against colon cancer cells.
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Biomarker for Sepsis: In some contexts, its overgrowth is linked to increased risk of sepsis in immunocompromised cancer patients.
3. Precision Pharmacology
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Cardiac Health: By inactivating digoxin, E. lenta directly impacts drug bioavailability. Research is currently focused on using arginine supplementation or small-molecule inhibitors to block this bacterial metabolism, ensuring patients receive the correct therapeutic dose.
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Parkinson's Disease: E. lenta is involved in the metabolism of L-Dopa, potentially reducing the amount of drug that reaches the brain and causing side effects in the gut.
Why Choose Us?
Anaerobic Expertise
Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art anaerobic chambers and specialized handling protocols for fastidious Actinobacteria.
Multi-Omics Integration
We combine metagenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to provide a holistic view of the "Eggerthella effect."
Regulatory Readiness
Our data packages are designed to support IND (Investigational New Drug) filings for Live Biotherapeutics.
Customized Solutions
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Every project is designed in collaboration with our PhD-level microbiologists.
Partner With Us for Microbiome Innovation
The complexity of Eggerthella lenta highlights the need for specialized expertise in microbiome research. As we move toward an era of personalized medicine, understanding how a single bacterial species can dictate the success of a drug or the progression of an autoimmune disease is paramount.
At Creative Biolabs, we are dedicated to advancing this field by providing the tools, models, and insights necessary to turn E. lenta from a research challenge into a therapeutic opportunity. Whether you are developing a novel LBP, a small-molecule inhibitor, or a diagnostic biomarker, our team is ready to accelerate your discovery.
Would you like us to prepare a customized research proposal or a technical whitepaper for your specific Eggerthella project?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is E. lenta considered a pathogen or a commensal?
It is a common commensal of the human gut. However, it is an "opportunistic" resident that can drive inflammation under dysbiotic conditions or cause infections if it enters the bloodstream.
Can E. lenta be used as a probiotic?
While usually associated with inflammation, specific strains that metabolize dietary compounds into anti-cancer agents (like resveratrol) are being explored as "Next-Generation Probiotics."
How does dietary protein affect E. lenta activity?
High levels of arginine (found in protein) can actually inhibit the cgr operon, preventing the bacterium from inactivating drugs like digoxin. This makes diet a key variable in our preclinical studies.
