How Gut Bacteria Affect Host Gene Expression
Author Information
Author(s): Dalmasso Guillaume, Nguyen Hang Thi Thu, Yan Yutao, Laroui Hamed, Charania Moiz A., Ayyadurai Saravanan, Sitaraman Shanthi V., Merlin Didier
Primary Institution: Emory University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Are microRNAs involved in microbiota-mediated regulation of host gene expression?
Conclusion
Microbiota modulate host microRNA expression, which can regulate host gene expression.
Supporting Evidence
- Germ-free mice were colonized with microbiota from pathogen-free mice.
- One miRNA was found to be differently expressed in the ileum and eight in the colon.
- Abcc3 was identified as a highly potential miRNA target during colonization.
Takeaway
This study shows that the tiny molecules called microRNAs, which help control how genes work, are affected by the bacteria in our gut.
Methodology
Germ-free mice were colonized with microbiota, and miRNA expression was profiled using arrays and validated with qRT-PCR.
Limitations
The study's miRNA target prediction approach was restrictive, potentially missing some targets.
Participant Demographics
8 week-old female Swiss Webster Germ-Free or Pathogen-Free mice.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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