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Microbes as architects of colonic patterning.
Dena Lyras1, Wing Hei Chan2, Helen E Abud2
1Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
Cell Host & Microbe
|April 9, 2026
Summary
Microbes regulate colonic epithelial regionalization through nicotinic acid signaling. This microbial interaction influences tissue identity and alters zones of tissue injury in the gut.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The colonic epithelium exhibits regional functional organization.
- This epithelium harbors a dense microbial community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microbes in colonic epithelial regionalization.
- To identify microbial mechanisms regulating proximal colonic identity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial metabolites.
- Assessment of epithelial cell signaling pathways.
- Evaluation of tissue identity markers.
- Histological examination of colonic tissue.
Main Results:
- Microbial nicotinic acid directly influences proximal colonic epithelial identity.
- Nicotinic acid activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) in epithelial cells.
- Alterations in epithelial identity modify the extent of tissue injury zones.
Conclusions:
- Microbial metabolites are crucial regulators of intestinal epithelial regionalization.
- The gut microbiota shapes host tissue identity and response to injury.
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