Coprococcus


Coprococcus is a genus of obligately anaerobic, nonmotile, Gram-positive cocci that are part of the human and animal gut microbiota.
Coprococcus spp. are notable for their ability to ferment dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, which is a key metabolite that supports colonocyte health, enhances mucosal integrity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. The genus is considered an important contributor to colonic homeostasis and overall gut health.
Depletion of Coprococcus has been reported in patients with colorectal cancer, although a direct protective role remains to be fully established.
One species, Coprococcus comes, may also influence the efficacy of blood pressure-lowering medications by modifying gut metabolism of esterified angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Phylogeny

The currently accepted taxonomy is based on the List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature and the National Center for Biotechnology Information
16S rRNA-based LTP_10_2024120 marker gene-based GTDB 09-RS220



Additional species placed elsewhere in LTP and GTDB phylogenies:Coprococcus catus Holdeman and Moore 1974Coprococcus comes Holdeman and Moore 1974

Etymology

From Ancient Greek:kopros – excrement, faeces kokkos – berry
→ Coprococcus – faecal coccus