Crosstalk between the microbiome and epigenome: messages from bugs

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epigenetics
• Host-microbiome interactions

Background:

• Mammals and gut microbes have a complex symbiotic relationship impacting host health and disease.
• Omics technologies are advancing our understanding of how the gut microbiome affects host physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the host epigenome.
• To explore how microbial signaling influences host responses and gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on gut microbiota and host epigenetics.
• Analysis of mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs.
• Examination of microbial generation of bioactive compounds impacting host cells.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiome can modify host cell responses via epigenetic alterations.
• Microbial bioactive compounds directly impact host cell transcriptional machinery.
• Evidence highlights DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs as key mediators.

Conclusions:

• Understanding gut microbiota-host epigenome interactions provides insights into host responses to microbial signals.
• This knowledge is predicted to inform the development of precision medicine strategies.
• Further research into microbial signaling pathways is crucial for therapeutic applications.