Relationship between mucosa-associated gut microbiota and human diseases

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• The gastrointestinal (GI) mucus layer is vital for gut homeostasis, with distinct inner and outer layers influencing microbial interactions.
• The mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) resides in the mucus and significantly impacts gut barrier function, immunity, and metabolism.
• MAM composition differs from fecal microbiota and holds potential for diagnosing GI diseases like IBD, IBS, and CRC.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current knowledge on accessing human MAM.
• It details the composition of MAM and its variations.
• It explores the relationship between MAM alterations and human health/disease states.

Key Points:

• The inner mucus layer separates commensal microbes from the epithelium, while the outer layer provides nutrients and binding sites.
• MAM's close proximity to the epithelium allows it to profoundly influence immune and metabolic health.
• Spatial microbial alterations in disease pathogenesis are challenging to study due to access limitations.

Conclusions:

• Understanding MAM is crucial for advancing knowledge of GI tract diseases.
• Investigating mucosal surface interactions is essential for understanding gut health and disease.
• Further research into MAM accessibility and composition will improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for GI disorders.