J Bacteriol Virol.  2017 Jun;47(2):75-86. 10.4167/jbv.2017.47.2.75.

Gut Microbiome, a Potent Modulator of Epigenetics in Human Diseases

• Kim JA

• KMID: 2384410
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4167/jbv.2017.47.2.75

Abstract

Human physiology and pathology can be affected by different nutritional conditions. At cellular level, the availability of a nutritional component not only mediates metabolic reactions but also transmits signals for diverse biological activities. Epigenetic regulation such as DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications is considered as one of the nutrient-mediated signaling receivers as almost all of the epigenetic enzyme activities require intermediary metabolites as cofactors. The gut microbiome as "forgotten organ" has been suggested as a metabolite generator as well as a nutrient sensor for its host organism, affecting human health and diseases. Given the metabolite-dependent activities of epigenetic regulators, the gut microbiome has a high potential to influence the epigenetics in human physiology. Here, I review the involvement of gut microbiome in diverse human diseases and the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation by different metabolites. Thereafter, I discuss how the gut microbiome-generated metabolites affect host epigenetics, raising a possibility to develop a therapeutic intervention based on the interaction between the microbiome and epigenetics for human health.

Keyword

Gut microbiome; Metabolism; Epigenetics

MeSH Terms

DNA Methylation
Epigenomics*
Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
Histones
Humans*
Metabolism
Microbiota
Pathology
Physiology
Protein Processing, Post-Translational
Histones

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Chemistry of epigenetic modifications. A. DNA methylation and demethylation, B. Lysine acetylation and deacetylation, C. Lysine methylation and demethylation, D. Arginine methylation and demethylation

• 

  Figure 2 Generation of intermediary metabolites essential for epigenetic regulation. A. Acetyl-CoA production, B. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) production, C. α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) production

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