Gut microbiota-host post-translational modification axis in immunometabolic diseases

Abstract

Communication between the gut microbiota and host post-translational modifications (PTMs) has been extensively characterized, and recent evidence delineates a functionally integrated gut microbiota-host PTM axis. This axis is not only essential for maintaining metabolism homeostasis but also plays diverse roles in regulating disease pathogenesis. In this review we discuss the emerging effects of microbial modulation of host PTMs by regulating substrate provisioning and enzyme activity. We also highlight the latest understanding of diverse microbiota-regulated PTMs in immune cell fate decision. Finally, we summarize the current understanding of how dysbiosis-induced PTM dysregulation drives pathologies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity-related diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and colorectal cancer (CRC). We also propose targeted strategies to restore homeostasis through the microbiota-PTM axis.

Keywords: gut microbiota; immune cells; immunometabolic diseases; microbial metabolites; post-translational modifications.