Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Microbiome-microRNA interactions in inflammatory bowel disease: insights from metagenomic and transcriptomic data
Nesa Kazemifard1, Mohammad Hossein Norouzi-Beirami2, Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami1
1Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, the precise origins of which remain not fully elucidated. This study investigates the complex relationship between gut metagenomics and host transcriptomics in IBD patients, focusing on Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD).
Method:
One proposed theory suggests that microRNAs produced by the host may significantly influence IBD development by impacting the gut microbiota. Conversely, the gut microbiome may regulate the expression of host microRNAs, leading to dysfunction in the intestinal epithelium. An enrichment analysis was conducted to pinpoint associated pathways. To unravel this intricate interplay, the study utilized data from the IBDMDB database, selecting samples from adult individuals.
Result:
The dataset comprised 50 paired metagenomic and host transcriptomic samples, including 8 controls, 18 UCs, and 24 CDs. Computational analyses and network constructions were applied to identify relationships between bacterial species, microRNAs, and other transcripts.
Conclusion:
This research offers valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between the gut microbiome and human transcriptomics in IBD, providing a deeper understanding of potential disease mechanisms. Furthermore, it sheds light on the complex tripartite network connecting bacterial species, microRNAs, and transcripts, contributing to a comprehension of IBD pathogenesis and the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Microbiota of the Large Intestine
Functions of the Gut Microbiota
Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

