Genetic and epigenetic perspective of microbiota

The gut microbiota has an extremely important role within the body and it is necessary for the regulation of the metabolism of the host and also for the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Here, we show several different factors leading to obesity such as epigenetic changes and how they result in differences to occur in the gut microbiota, along with gut dysbiosis which is caused by disturbances in the microbiota homeostasis. Several studies have been explained in this paper, providing evidence in how these findings can actually decrease the susceptibility of obesity, whether it be by changing an individual's diet pattern or observing the epigenetic changes which are taking place. KEY POINTS: • The microbiota depends on an individual's diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics and epigenetic profile. • Changes of the gut microbiota can increase obesity susceptibility. • Non-coding RNA has an important role in the metabolic homeostasis in check so if a disturbance occurs it can lead to resistance to obesity.