The gut microbiota — masters of host development and physiology

Abstract

Establishing and maintaining beneficial interactions between the host and its associated microbiota are key requirements for host health. Although the gut microbiota has previously been studied in the context of inflammatory diseases, it has recently become clear that this microbial community has a beneficial role during normal homeostasis, modulating the host's immune system as well as influencing host development and physiology, including organ development and morphogenesis, and host metabolism. The underlying molecular mechanisms of host-microorganism interactions remain largely unknown, but recent studies have begun to identify the key signalling pathways of the cross-species homeostatic regulation between the gut microbiota and its host.

The gut microbiota and inflammatory noncommunicable diseases: Associations and potentials for gut microbiota therapies

“…Even so, across individuals and populations, infant microbiomes generally have a higher proportion of bifidobacteria and lower species richness than adults 28 and share common functional characteristics -for example, infants typically show metagenomes enriched in genes for simple sugar breakdown and folate synthesis 4,28 . Microorganisms colonizing the gastrointestinal tract are involved in a number of vital processes 5,6,8,29 . With about 70% of the cellular component of the immune system present as gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the potential for crosstalk between microbiota and the immune system is substantial; and is likely to play a central role in enabling microbial imprinting and immune programming of the newborn microbiota 8 .…”

“…In a recent report, adults with reduced gut microbial richness had higher overall adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and a more pronounced inflammatory phenotype than adults with higher gut microbial richness 68 . Dysbiosis has even been associated with neurodevelopment and mental health in a series of experimental models 6 . Whether microbial West 14 variation is the cause or effect of these diseases is still the subject of conjecture, but this highlights the multisystem effects of the microbiome.…”

Patterns of seasonality and group membership characterize the gut microbiota in a longitudinal study of wild Verreaux's sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi)

“…The microbiota in turn affects host development, metabolism, and health (Clemente, Ursell, Parfrey, & Knight, 2012; Morgan et al., 2012; Sommer & Bäckhed, 2013; Sommer et al., 2016). Host–microbiota interactions are, thus, an important factor in vertebrate ecology and evolution (Amato, 2016).…”

“…For example, switching from a high‐fat/low‐fiber to a low‐fat/high‐fiber diet affects the relative abundances of several microbial taxa in humans, for example, Bacteroides and Ruminococcus , within 24 hrs (David et al., 2014; Wu et al., 2011). These diet‐related changes may increase energy extraction from food and consequently alter host metabolic pathways (Sommer & Bäckhed, 2013; Turnbaugh et al., 2006). …”

Effects of dietary supplementation with freshwater microalgae on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut health in weaned piglets

“…Colistin supplementation is recognised for its damaging effect on E. coli strains (Lamb, 1968). The alteration of intestinal morphology due to colistin supplementation could also be associated with a deleterious effect on commensal bacteria playing a role in gut development (Sommer and Bäckhed, 2013). Yin et al (2008) reported that colistin supplementation during the 2 weeks after weaning altered the E. coli population in the jejunum and ileum, but also that of Lactobacilli colonies, which are recognised for their beneficial effect on the mucosal structure of the intestine (Mao et al, 2016).…”