Plant-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs Shape the Gut Microbiota

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Plant biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Dietary interventions can modify the gut microbiota for disease prevention and treatment.
• The precise mechanisms by which food components influence gut commensals are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) in modulating the gut microbiota and host physiology.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which ginger ELNs (GELNs) impact specific gut bacteria and host immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Demonstrated uptake of plant ELNs by gut microbiota.
• Identified RNA cargo within GELNs and their targets in Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG).
• Assessed the impact of GELN-derived RNAs and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A) on IL-22 production and mouse colitis models.

Main Results:

• Plant ELNs are internalized by gut microbes and contain RNAs that modify microbiome composition and host functions.
• GELNs are selectively absorbed by Lactobacillaceae via lipid interactions and deliver microRNAs targeting LGG.
• GELN microRNAs increase indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A) production in LGG, which, along with GELN-RNAs, induces IL-22 production, improving barrier function and ameliorating colitis in mice.

Conclusions:

• Plant-derived ELNs serve as a mechanism for inter-kingdom communication, transferring functional RNAs to the gut microbiota.
• GELN-mediated modulation of the gut microbiota and subsequent IL-22 induction offers a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases like colitis.