Understanding the relationship between the microbiome and the structure and function of the pig gastrointestinal tract

Publication date: 10/01/2022
Extent: 14 pages

Contributions by: Chunlong Mu and Weiyun Zhu, Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Chapter synopsis: The gut epithelium acts as a barrier to the gut environment. The integrity of the epithelial structure and function is thus critical for microbiome-host interaction. The gut microbiome can regulate the utilization and synthesis of mucin, the expressions of the intercellular junction complex, and the functioning of specific epithelial cells, such as enterochromaffin cells and stem cells in pigs. The factors involved include microbial metabolites, especially short-chain fatty acids and host-microbe co-metabolism. Recent studies have revealed the essential role of amino acid metabolism in regulating the gut microbiome and epithelial barrier. This chapter discusses how the pig gut microbiome modulates epithelial structure and function, highlighting findings that reflect the relationship between the gut microbiome, intestinal structure and function.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2021.0089.06