Mucins, gut microbiota, and postbiotics role in colorectal cancer

An imbalance in the crosstalk between the host and gut microbiota affects the intestinal barrier function, which results in inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer. The colon epithelium protects itself from a harsh environment and various pathogenic organisms by forming a double mucus layer, primarily comprising mucins. Recent studies are focusing on how dietary patterns alter the gut microbiota composition, which in turn regulates mucin expression and maintains the intestinal layers. In addition, modulation of gut microbiota by microbiotic therapy (involving fecal microbiota transplantation) has emerged as a significant factor in the pathologies associated with dysbiosis. Therefore, proper communication between host and gut microbiota via different dietary patterns (prebiotics and probiotics) is needed to maintain mucus composition, mucin synthesis, and regulation. Here, we review how the interactions between diet and gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites (postbiotics) regulate mucus layer functionalities and mucin expression in human health and disease.

Automated summary

An imbalance in the crosstalk between host and gut microbiota can lead to inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer, with dietary patterns playing a crucial role in regulating gut microbiota composition and maintaining mucin expression. Proper communication between host and gut microbiota through different dietary patterns is essential for maintaining mucus composition and regulation in health and disease.