About this Research Topic

Background

The intestinal barrier is a complex, multi-layered structure consisting of the mucus layer produced by specialized secretory goblet cells, the epithelial layer, and the underlying immune system. At this crucial interface, appropriate interactions between the host and microbiome are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, which is vital for overall health. Intestinal homeostasis is tightly regulated by a variety of signaling mechanisms, with the endocannabinoidome (eCBome)—a complex lipid signaling system that interacts reciprocally with the gut microbiota—playing a critical role in this regulation. However, these interactions among gut microbes, the intestinal barrier, and the eCBome can be disrupted by various environmental factors, particularly diet. The Western lifestyle, characterized by diets high in fat and sugar and low in dietary fibers, is associated with altered gut microbiota, disrupted intestinal barrier function, and an altered eCBome profile. Disruption of the mucus barrier, in particular, can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases such as metabolic disorders, intestinal inflammation, and cancer.

Over the past decade, research in both animals and humans has highlighted the significant role of gut microbiota in health and chronic inflammatory diseases. Several microbiota-targeted interventions, including psychobiotic supplements, dietary approaches, and fecal microbiota transplants, have been explored as therapeutic strategies to alleviate or prevent chronic inflammatory diseases by promoting beneficial microbes over detrimental ones. However, these strategies are not yet optimal, and further research is needed to discover more effective mechanisms to influence metabolic health by targeting the intestinal barrier. In this context, the mucus barrier deserves particular attention since it directly contributes to maintaining the homeostasis of the gut microenvironment and host health. There is still a gap in knowledge regarding the active bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the mucus barrier, the microbiota and the intestinal eCBome, and the host's ability to select its commensal microbiota.

The goal of this Research Topic is to emphasize our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in mucus-microbiota homeostasis and to advance our knowledge of the interplay between the microbiota, the mucus, and the underlying epithelial and immune cells. This understanding will be crucial in identifying novel therapeutic approaches targeting chronic inflammatory diseases. The scope of this Topic includes exploring the mechanisms modulating the active bidirectional link between the microbiota and the mucus barrier, and investigating how various factors, including dietary approaches, bioactive lipids and molecules of the eCBome, bacterial metabolites, bile acids, and drug therapies, contribute to maintaining intestinal barrier function and structure. Both original research articles and reviews are welcome in this regard.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: gut microbiota, intestinal microbiota, mucus interactions, microbiome, gut health, mucosal barrier, mucosal immunity, intestinal barrier, microbial dysbiosis, mucus layer, gastrointestinal tract

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