The human microbiome is no longer viewed as a passive collection of passengers but as a dynamic organ system central to human health and disease. Among the diverse taxa inhabiting the distal gut, Parabacteroides merdae has emerged as a high-priority candidate for Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBP) development. As a premier Clinical Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to preclinical excellence, Creative Biolabs provides the end-to-end infrastructure necessary to transform this commensal anaerobe into a validated therapeutic intervention. Our mission is to bridge the gap between initial discovery and IND-enabling studies through rigorous, data-driven methodology.
Overview: Understanding Parabacteroides merdae
Parabacteroides merdae is an obligately anaerobic, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacterium belonging to the Phylum Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) and the Family Porphyromonadaceae. Originally isolated from human feces, it is a common inhabitant of the healthy intestinal tract. While its name may seem humble, its metabolic repertoire is anything but.
Genomic and Metabolic Profile
The genomic architecture of P. merdae reveals a sophisticated machinery for the degradation of complex polysaccharides. Unlike some specialized degraders, P. merdae is versatile, capable of utilizing various dietary fibers to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate and propionate. Beyond fiber fermentation, it plays a critical role in the transformation of primary bile acids into secondary bile acids, a process that significantly influences host metabolic signaling and intestinal inflammation.
The Role in the Microbiome Ecosystem
Within the gut ecosystem, P. merdae functions as a "keystone-like" species in certain contexts. It interacts synergistically with other commensals to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Its presence is often associated with a stabilized microbial community resistant to pathogen colonization, a phenomenon known as colonization resistance.
Our Preclinical Research Services
Navigating the complexities of LBP development requires a partner who understands the nuances of anaerobic microbiology and host-microbe interactions. We offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored specifically for Parabacteroides merdae research.
We provide full-spectrum microbial analysis to ensure your lead strain is stable, viable, and well-characterized.
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Full Genome Sequencing & Annotation: Identification of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factors, and metabolic pathways.
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Growth Optimization: Development of specialized media formulations to maximize biomass yield while maintaining the therapeutic potency of the strain.
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Stability Testing: Assessing the shelf-life and resilience of the strain under various environmental conditions (pH, temperature, oxygen exposure).
Before moving to animal models, we utilize high-throughput screening to validate the biological activity of P. merdae.
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Cell Line Assays: Evaluating the impact on intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2, HT-29) regarding barrier function (TEER measurements) and cytokine production.
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Co-culture Systems: Simulating the interaction between P. merdae and human immune cells (PBMCs) to measure Treg induction or pro-inflammatory cytokine suppression.
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Metabolomic Profiling: Quantitative analysis of SCFAs, bile acids, and amino acid derivatives produced by the strain using LC-MS/MS.
Our accredited facilities are equipped to handle complex microbiome studies.
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Germ-Free and Gnotobiotic Models: Colonizing sterile mice with P. merdae to isolate its specific effects without interference from other microbes.
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Disease-Specific Models:
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Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO): Measuring weight gain, glucose tolerance (GTT), and insulin sensitivity (ITT).
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DSS-Induced Colitis: Assessing histological damage, fecal calprotectin, and mucosal immunity.
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Syngeneic Tumor Models: Evaluating tumor growth inhibition in combination with ICIs.
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Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Colonization Dynamics: Tracking the survival, localization, and colonization levels of the strain throughout the GI tract over time.
Product Offerings for Preclinical Research
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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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Parabacteroides merdae Hahnke et al. 2016
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LBSX-0522-GF28
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Parabacteroides
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Parabacteroides merdae is a Gram-negative, non-sporeforming, obligately anaerobic, rod-shaped, and non-motile bacterium from the genus of Parabacteroides.
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Datasheet
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$1200.00
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Parabacteroides merdae; 358131
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LBSX-0522-GF29
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Parabacteroides
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Parabacteroides merdae is a Gram-negative, non-sporeforming, obligately anaerobic, rod-shaped, and non-motile bacterium from the genus of Parabacteroides.
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Datasheet
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$1200.00
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Parabacteroides merdae Genomic DNA
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LBGF-0925-GF63
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Parabacteroides DNA
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This product contains high-quality, intact genomic DNA isolated from Parabacteroides merdae. 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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$1020.00
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Research Applications: P. merdae in Disease Treatment
The transition of P. merdae from a genomic sequence to a therapeutic lead is driven by its observed correlations and mechanistic roles in several major disease areas. Our research services focus on validating these applications through sophisticated in vitro and in vivo models.
One of the most promising areas of research for P. merdae is its impact on host metabolism. Studies have indicated that the abundance of P. merdae is often inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI) and glucose intolerance. P. merdae contributes to the pool of propionate, which travels via the portal vein to the liver, where it can inhibit gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis. Furthermore, by modulating the bile acid pool-specifically increasing the levels of lithocholic acid (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA)-it activates TGR5 and FXR receptors, which regulate insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure.
The microbiome is a potent modulator of the "set point" for the immune system. Recent high-impact research suggests that P. merdae may influence the efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Specific surface antigens or secreted metabolites from P. merdae appear to prime dendritic cells, which in turn enhance the recruitment of CD8+ T-cells to the tumor microenvironment.
The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system where P. merdae plays a documented role. Specifically, in the context of the ketogenic diet (KD) for refractory epilepsy, P. merdae (often in combination with Akkermansia) is enriched. These bacteria alter the ratio of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to glutamate in the hippocampus by modulating amino acid metabolism in the gut.
Because of its ability to promote the differentiation of Regulatory T-cells (Tregs), P. merdae is being investigated for its role in mitigating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and certain systemic autoimmune conditions.
Our Advantages: Why Partner with Us?
In the crowded field of microbiome research, precision and reproducibility are our hallmarks.
Specialized Anaerobic Expertise
Unlike generalist CROs, we have invested heavily in anaerobic chambers and specialized handling protocols. We understand that even brief exposure to oxygen can compromise the viability and metabolic profile of P. merdae, leading to inconsistent results.
Integrated "OMICS" Platform
We don't just provide data; we provide insights. By integrating metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics with traditional physiological readouts, we provide a holistic view of how P. merdae interacts with the host.
Regulatory Readiness
Our preclinical studies are designed with the end goal in mind. We follow rigorous documentation standards that simplify the transition to clinical phases, ensuring that your data package is robust enough for regulatory scrutiny.
Customization and Flexibility
Every research program is unique. We offer bespoke study designs, allowing you to choose specific mouse strains, dietary interventions, or sampling time points that align with your therapeutic hypothesis.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Live Biotherapeutics
The path to a breakthrough microbiome therapy is complex, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our team of PhD-level microbiologists, immunologists, and bioinformaticians is ready to support your Parabacteroides merdae program with the technical precision and strategic insight it deserves.
Don't let technical hurdles or a lack of specialized infrastructure slow your discovery. Partner with a CRO that lives and breathes microbiome science. Together, we can unlock the full therapeutic potential of the human gut and deliver next-generation treatments to patients in need.
Would you like me to generate a detailed sample study design for a Parabacteroides merdae efficacy trial in a specific disease model?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Parabacteroides merdae considered a safe organism for therapeutic use?
In the context of the healthy human microbiome, P. merdae is a common commensal. However, for therapeutic development, safety must be proven through rigorous preclinical toxicity studies, including assessments for antibiotic resistance and potential translocation. Our services include comprehensive safety profiling to address these concerns.
How do you ensure the stability of the strain during animal dosing?
We utilize specialized anaerobic transport media and rapid dosing protocols. We also offer microencapsulation services to protect the bacteria from gastric acid, ensuring high viability upon reaching the lower GI tract.
Can you perform multi-strain consortia studies involving P. merdae?
Absolutely. Many LBPs consist of multiple strains. We have extensive experience in designing and executing studies that evaluate the synergistic effects of P. merdae when combined with other commensals like Bacteroides or Akkermansia.
What is the typical timeline for a gnotobiotic P. merdae study?
Timelines vary based on the complexity of the disease model. Generally, a colonization and efficacy study in gnotobiotic mice takes between 12 to 24 weeks, including the stabilization period and final data analysis.
