Martin Beaumont

BEST4 + cells are a novel subtype of mature absorptive cells in the human intestinal epithelium highlighted by single-cell transcriptomics. The gene expression profile of BEST4 + cells suggests their role in pH regulation, electrolyte secretion, mucus hydration, and innate immune defense. The absence of BEST4 + cells in mice requires the use of alternative animal models or organoids to decipher the role of this novel type of intestinal epithelial cells.

This study shows that the fecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity are similar in suckling piglets (13 days after birth) that either later develop post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) or not, which is a major threat for animal welfare that also causes important economic losses and antibiotic treatments in pig production. The aim of this work was to study a large cohort of piglets raised in separates environments, which is a major factor influencing the early life microbiota.