A versatile genetic toolbox forPrevotella coprienables studying polysaccharide utilization systems

AbstractPrevotella copriis a prevalent inhabitant of the human gut and has been associated with plant-rich diet consumption and diverse health states. The underlying genetic basis of these associations remains enigmatic due to the lack of genetic tools. Here, we developed a novel versatile genetic toolbox for rapid and efficient genetic insertion and allelic exchange applicable toP. copristrains from multiple clades. Enabled by the genetic platform, we systematically investigated the specificity of polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs), and identified four highly conserved PULs for utilizing arabinan, pectic galactan, arabinoxylan and inulin, respectively. Further genetic and functional analysis of arabinan utilization systems illustrate thatP. coprihas evolved two distinct types of arabinan-processing PULs (PULAra) and that the type-II PULArais significantly enriched in individuals consuming a vegan diet compared to other diets. In summary, this genetic toolbox will enable functional genetic studies forP. copriin the future.