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Published on: July 31, 2019
Crt-miR166a, a Citrus-Derived MicroRNA, Modulates the Gut Microbiota-Metabolites under High-Fat Diet
Minmin Zhan1, Chenxi Zhao1, Bin Chen2
1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Citrus microRNA crt-miR166a improves gut health by balancing beneficial bacteria and metabolites in mice fed a high-fat diet. This plant-derived microRNA (miRNA) alleviates diet-induced gut dysbiosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Metabolomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- High-fat diets (HFD) disrupt gut microbiota and metabolite balance.
- Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) role in modulating gut microbiota metabolites is unclear.
- Gut microbiota metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and indoles are crucial for host health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of citrus-derived crt-miR166a on HFD-induced gut microbiota-metabolite dysbiosis.
- To determine if crt-miR166a can restore metabolic balance in the gut.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD).
- crt-miR166a was administered to HFD-fed mice.
- Gut microbiota composition and key metabolites (SCFAs, bile acids, indole derivatives) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- crt-miR166a increased beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides, Acetatifactor).
- crt-miR166a elevated beneficial short-chain fatty acids (acetic, butyric, valeric acids).
- crt-miR166a modulated bile acid profiles and increased tryptophan-derived indole derivatives.
Conclusions:
- Citrus microRNA crt-miR166a effectively alleviates HFD-induced gut microbiota-metabolite dysbiosis.
- crt-miR166a demonstrates potential as a dietary modulator for improving metabolic health.
- Plant-derived miRNAs offer novel therapeutic avenues for diet-related gut disorders.
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