Know your neighbor: Microbiota and host epithelial cells interact locally to control intestinal function and physiology. (18th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sommer, Felix; Bäckhed, Fredrik
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 38:Number 5(2016:May)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 464
• Publication Date: 2016-03-18
• Subjects: host‐microbe interactions -- intestine -- microbiota -- physiology -- site‐specific; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500151
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract : Interactions between the host and its associated microbiota differ spatially and the local cross talk determines organ function and physiology. Animals and their organs are not uniform but contain several functional and cellular compartments and gradients. In the intestinal tract, different parts of the gut carry out different functions, tissue structure varies accordingly, epithelial cells are differentially distributed and gradients exist for several physicochemical parameters such as nutrients, pH, or oxygen. Consequently, the microbiota composition also differs along the length of the gut, but also between lumen and mucosa of the same intestinal segment, and even along the crypt‐villus axis in the epithelium. Thus, host‐microbiota interactions are highly site‐specific and the local cross talk determines intestinal function and physiology. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of site‐specific host‐microbiota interactions and discuss their functional relevance for host physiology. Abstract : Local host‐microbiota interactions determine organ function and physiology. In the intestine, distribution of epithelial cells and microbiota varies on three axes: along the length of the gut, from epithelium to lumen, and from crypt to villus in the epithelium. We discuss causes and functional consequences of these local host‐microbiota interactions.