Understanding dietary influences on microbiota-mitochondria interactions and metabolic health

Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of symbiotic microorganisms establishing a cooperative relationship with the host immune system, largely mediated by the protective functions of gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Among these, colonocytes play a pivotal role in sustaining gut homeostasis through oxidative metabolism. These cells utilize the Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) butyrate - produced by gut microbes - as primary energy source, metabolized via β-oxidation and Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle. Both processes occur within mitochondria, consuming oxygen to preserve an anaerobic microenvironment that favors beneficial obligate anaerobic bacteria while limiting the expansion of opportunistic pathogens.Accumulating evidence indicates that Western diet – characterized by excessive fat intake - impairs mitochondrial functions in colonocytes and alter gut microbiota composition, leading to metabolic reprogramming. These alterations promote a low-grade inflammatory state that increases susceptibility to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other inflammatory-associated diseases.This Research Topic aims to unravel the mechanisms through which poor dietary habits impair mitochondrial metabolism in gastrointestinal cells and disrupt host–microbiota interactions. The ultimate aim is to identify potential therapeutic targets that can be leveraged to maintain gut health and forestall diet-related disorders. Specific questions of interest include how metabolic functions in epithelial cells are altered, the influence of dietary components on microbiota composition, and pivotal microbial and mitochondrial pathways impacted by dietary fats.To gather further insights into microbiota-mitochondria interactions in health and disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- The impact of high-fat diets on mitochondrial metabolism in gut epithelial cells.- Alterations in gut microbiota composition and function due to poor dietary habits.- Mechanistic pathways linking dysbiosis to mitochondrial functions in the gut.- Inflammation and immune responses triggered by diet-induced metabolic changes.- Potential dietary or pharmacological interventions to restore or sustain gut health. Topic editors: Paola Cuomo, Dario Iafusco Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78484/understanding-dietary-influences-on-microbiota-mitochondria-interactions-and-metabolic-health