Gut microbiota-derived fatty acid and sterol metabolites: biotransformation and immunomodulatory functions
Haohao Zhang,
Yadong Xie,
Fei Cao,
Xinyang Song
Affiliations
Haohao Zhang
Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
Yadong Xie
Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
Fei Cao
Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
Xinyang Song
Key Laboratory of Multi-Cell Systems, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
Commensal microorganisms in the human gut produce numerous metabolites by using small molecules derived from the host or diet as precursors. Host or dietary lipid molecules are involved in energy metabolism and maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes. Notably, gut microbes can convert these lipids into bioactive signaling molecules through their biotransformation and synthesis pathways. These microbiota-derived lipid metabolites can affect host physiology by influencing the body’s immune and metabolic processes. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the microbial transformation and host immunomodulatory functions of these lipid metabolites, with a special focus on fatty acids and steroids produced by our gut microbiota.
