Coenzyme A metabolism: a key driver of gut microbiota dynamics and metabolic profiles

Coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis is a crucial process in living organisms, characterized by the production of conserved intermediates through enzyme-catalysed steps that vary across species. The synthesis of CoA entails several conversions, starting from pantothenate. Pantothenate is an essential vitamin in humans and is synthesized by certain bacterial species. Intermediates of the biosynthetic pathway have been shown to impact bacteria, especially in community settings such as the intestinal microbiota. Additionally, various diseases have been associated with specific CoA precursors and metabolic pathways downstream of CoA in the gut microbiota, underscoring the significance of evaluating the current knowledge on how the CoA pathway influences the metabolic state of bacteria. This also highlights the importance of having standardized methodologies that can be employed to better understand the metabolism of the microbiome. In this review, we explore the current literature on bacterial CoA metabolism, with a particular focus on gut bacteria and the impact of CoA-related metabolites on bacterial composition, function and metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss previous and current methodologies employed to investigate CoA biosynthesis. Our goal is to provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between CoA metabolism, gut microbiota and their implications for health and disease, offering a foundation for future research and therapeutic approaches.