Structures and functions of the gut microbial lipidome

Microbial lipids provide signals that are responsible for maintaining host health and controlling disease. The differences in the structures of microbial lipids have been shown to alter receptor selectivity and agonist/ antagonist activity. Advanced lipidomics is an emerging field that helps to elucidate the complex bacterial lipid diversity. The use of cutting-edge technologies is expected to lead to the discovery of new functional metabolites involved in host homeostasis. This review aims to describe recent updates on functional lipid metabolites derived from gut microbiota, their structure-activity relationships, and advanced lipidomics technologies.

Automated summary

Microbial lipids play a crucial role in maintaining host health and controlling disease. Variations in the structures of microbial lipids impact receptor selectivity and agonist/antagonist activity. Advanced lipidomics technologies help uncover the complex diversity of bacterial lipids and discover new functional metabolites involved in host homeostasis.