How Gut Microbes Nurture Intestinal Stem Cells: A Drosophila Perspective

Host-microbiota interactions are key modulators of host physiology and behavior. Accumulating evidence suggests that the complex interplay between microbiota, diet and the intestine controls host health. Great emphasis has been given on how gut microbes have evolved to harvest energy from the diet to control energy balance, host metabolism and fitness. In addition, many metabolites essential for intestinal homeostasis are mainly derived from gut microbiota and can alleviate nutritional imbalances. However, due to the high complexity of the system, the molecular mechanisms that control host-microbiota mutualism, as well as whether and how microbiota affects host intestinal stem cells (ISCs) remain elusive. Drosophila encompasses a low complexity intestinal microbiome and has recently emerged as a system that might uncover evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of microbiota-derived nutrient ISC regulation. Here, we review recent studies using the Drosophila model that directly link microbiota-derived metabolites and ISC function. This research field provides exciting perspectives for putative future treatments of ISC-related diseases based on monitoring and manipulating intestinal microbiota.