Bacteria in our guts could communicate with our DNA, according to a study

Intestinal bacteria may be able to bypass genes in their hosts, at least in worms. According to a new study published in the journal Cell, billions of bacteria found in the midgut could practice a kind of "interspecific communication" that transcends language.

Intestinal bacteria secrete a molecule called nitric oxide. In an attempt to understand how bacteria communicate with their host, researchers followed nitric oxide levels in tiny worms (C. elegans). They discovered that this molecule is able to bind to thousands of host proteins and thus have modified the worm's ability to regulate its own gene expression. And if it works in worms, it is possible that a similar activity will occur in our own stomach. Previous research has shown that nitric oxide binds to human proteins as part of a process called S-nitrosylation, linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, asthma and cancer.

"The intestine presents tremendous complexity, and many researchers are interested in the next unusual substance produced by a bacterium that could harm human health – we humans can recognize it," said the reporter. author of the study, Jonathan Stamler, in a statement.

In the laboratory, researchers fed growing bacteria that naturally produce nitric oxide, and then selected a specific protein called argonaut protein, or ALG-1. When nitric oxide was secreted by the bacteria and bound to ALG-1, the worms developed malformed reproductive organs and died. Too much nitric oxide has taken control of the worm DNA silencing proteins and has compromised any hope of healthy development.

"Our results suggest a general mechanism by which the microbiota can control the cellular functions of the host, as well as a new role for gas transmitters," the authors wrote.

However, such disastrous results are probably not present in most animals. Stamler notes that mammals outside the laboratory are likely able to adapt and adapt to changing nitric oxide levels in real time.

"The worm will be able to stop eating the bacteria that make nitric oxide, or it will start eating different bacteria producing less nitric oxide, or will change its environment, or countless other adaptations. Similarly, too much nitric oxide produced by our microbiome could cause diseases or developmental problems in the fetus, "he explained.

Stamer says his research adds to a growing body of work that shows how bacteria in the gut affect diet and the environment and therefore have a huge impact on our health. He hopes his work will have future therapeutic potential.