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Epigenetic Mechanisms in Aging: Extrinsic Factors and Gut Microbiome
Summary
This review explores how external environmental factors and the gut microbiome influence epigenetic changes associated with aging. Researchers found that gut bacteria can modify host gene expression through histone and DNA modifications, with microbial metabolites playing an underexplored role. The study highlights the need for further research into how environmental exposures, including pollutants, may affect aging through gut-mediated epigenetic mechanisms.
Extrinsic factors are potential inducers of epigenetic alterations, which may have important implications for longevity. The gut microbiome serves as an epigenetic effector influencing host gene expression through histone and DNA modifications, while bidirectional interactions with the host and the underexplored roles of microbial metabolites and non-bacterial microorganisms such as fungi and viruses highlight the need for further research.