Gut Microbiota Mediate the Metabolism of Colonic Prostaglandins
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ABSTRACT: Prostaglandins (PGs) are lipid signaling molecules that regulate diverse physiological and pathological processes, and their biosynthetic pathways are targets of widely used drugs such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, previous research of PG biosynthesis has focused on host metabolic pathways, the roles of gut microbiota involved are not well understood 8. Here, we identify a colonic pathway through which gut microbes directly participate in PG metabolism and regulate colonic PG levels and their biological effects. Comparison of germ-free and conventionally raised mice reveals that the gut microbiota markedly increase the levels of multiple PGs in the colon. This effect is mediated by bacterial β-glucuronidases (GUS), which hydrolyze host-derived PG glucuronides, less active or inactive conjugates, to regenerate bioactive free PGs. GUS administration and bacterial mono-colonization in germ-free mice demonstrate a critical role for microbial GUS in regulating colonic PG levels and associated biological responses. Together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized function of the gut microbiota in PG metabolism and identify microbial GUS enzymes as potential targets for modulating colonic PG signaling in gastrointestinal diseases.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE345950 | GEO | 2026/09/04
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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