Table of Contents
Importance of Gut Microbiome in Human Diseases
The gut microbiome comprises trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea. It plays a vital role in maintaining human health and has been implicated in various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and cancer. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, can lead to pathological conditions by disturbing metabolic processes and immune responses.
Recent studies have highlighted the role of the gut microbiome in modulating the immune system. For instance, specific bacterial strains can influence the production of cytokines, affecting inflammatory responses and potentially leading to chronic diseases (Drago et al., 2025). The gut microbiome’s composition can also be altered by dietary habits, lifestyle, and environmental factors, which further contributes to its significant role in health and disease.
Table 1: Commonly Associated Gut Microbiome in Diseases
| Disease | Associated Microbiota |
|---|---|
| Obesity | Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes |
| Diabetes | Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium |
| Colorectal Cancer | Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis |
| Alzheimer’s Disease | Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus |
Role of miRNAs in Regulating Gut Health
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They play an essential role in various biological processes, including cellular development, differentiation, and metabolism. Recent research has illuminated the interplay between miRNAs and the gut microbiome, revealing that miRNAs can influence microbial composition and function, affecting host metabolism and immune responses.
For example, in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases, miRNAs modulate the expression of cytokines that regulate inflammation, thereby influencing the gut microbiota composition. Dysregulation of specific miRNAs has been linked to increased inflammation and altered microbial diversity, contributing to disease progression (Drago et al., 2025).
Table 2: miRNAs and Their Impact on Gut Microbiome
| miRNA | Function in Gut Health |
|---|---|
| miR-146a | Regulates inflammatory cytokines |
| miR-21 | Involved in immune response modulation |
| miR-155 | Affects T cell differentiation and function |
| miR-192 | Modulates gut barrier integrity and microbial composition |
Interactions Between Gut Microbiome and Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease have been linked to alterations in the gut microbiome. Dysbiosis can lead to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. For example, in obesity, a high ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes has been observed, correlating with increased fat storage and energy harvest from the diet (Drago et al., 2025).
Moreover, the gut microbiome has been shown to influence the development of autoimmune diseases. In conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), specific bacterial populations can modulate immune responses and promote chronic inflammation. This relationship exemplifies the bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and host health.
Table 3: Chronic Diseases Associated with Gut Dysbiosis
| Chronic Disease | Associated Gut Microbiota |
|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes | Faecalibacterium, Bacteroides |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Firmicutes, Enterobacteriaceae |
| Autoimmune Diseases | Collinsella, Bifidobacterium |
Influence of Gut Microbiome on Cancer Progression
The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical factor in cancer progression, particularly in gastrointestinal malignancies. Certain bacterial species have been implicated in promoting tumorigenesis through mechanisms such as inflammation, immune evasion, and metabolic dysregulation. For instance, Fusobacterium nucleatum has been linked to colorectal cancer, where it enhances tumor growth and metastasis by modulating immune responses (Drago et al., 2025).
The interaction between gut microbiota and the immune system can also determine the efficacy of cancer therapies. Some studies suggest that specific microbial communities can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy by modulating immune checkpoint pathways, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Gut Microbiome and miRNAs
The manipulation of the gut microbiome presents novel therapeutic avenues for various diseases. Strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) aim to restore healthy microbial balance, potentially alleviating conditions like IBD and metabolic syndrome. Recent advancements in microbiome research have highlighted the potential of engineered probiotics to enhance therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment by targeting specific microbial populations (Drago et al., 2025).
Additionally, targeting miRNAs through therapeutic interventions offers a promising approach to modulate gut health. For example, miRNA mimics or antagonists can be developed to restore balanced miRNA expression, addressing dysbiosis and inflammation associated with chronic diseases.
Table 4: Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Gut Microbiome and miRNAs
| Strategy | Application in Disease |
|---|---|
| Probiotics | Restoring gut microbiota balance |
| Prebiotics | Supporting beneficial bacteria growth |
| Fecal Microbiota Transplantation | Treating recurrent infections and dysbiosis |
| miRNA-based therapies | Modulating gene expression to restore health |
FAQs
What is the gut microbiome?
The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, which plays a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and immune function.
How do miRNAs affect gut health?
miRNAs regulate gene expression, influencing processes such as inflammation and microbial composition in the gut, which can impact overall health.
What diseases are associated with gut dysbiosis?
Gut dysbiosis has been linked to a variety of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, and certain types of cancer.
How can gut microbiome manipulation improve health?
Strategies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation aim to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can alleviate various health conditions.
What are some therapeutic approaches targeting miRNAs?
Therapeutic approaches include the development of miRNA mimics or antagonists to restore balanced gene expression and modulate inflammatory pathways linked to chronic diseases.
References
- Drago, L., De La Motte, L., Deflorio, L., Sansico, D. F., Salvatici, M., Micaglio, E., Biazzo, M., & Giarritiello, F. (2025). Systematic review of bidirectional interaction between gut microbiome, miRNAs, and human pathologies. Frontiers in Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1540943
- Avalos Vizcarra, I. et al. (2016). Escherichia coli uses a range of virulence factors to promote their adhesion, colonization, and invasion. Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1507286
- Kaper, J. B., et al. (2004). Pathogenic Escherichia coli. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 2, 123-140. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro823
- Li, Y., et al. (2020). Integrative analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome reveal novel molecular signatures in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Journal of Translational Medicine. 22:1045. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05876-3
- Zhang, H., et al. (2021). Profiles and interactions of gut microbiome and intestinal microRNAs in pediatric Crohn’s disease. mSystems
