The review entitled “Bone Homeostasis and Gut Microbial-dependent Signaling Pathways” summarized the microbiota-mediated gut–bone crosstalk via bone morphogenetic protein/SMADs, Wnt and OPG/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand signaling pathways in direct (translocation) and indirect (metabolite) manners. The mechanisms underlying gut microbiota involvement in these signaling pathways are relevant with immune responses, secretion of hormones, fate of osteoblasts and osteoclasts and absorption of calcium. Collectively, we propose a signaling network for maintaining a dynamic homeostasis between the skeletal system and the gut ecosystem. Additionally, the role of gut microbial improvement by dietary intervention in osteal signaling pathways has also been elucidated. We are supposed to provide unique resources from the gut microbial perspective for the discovery of new strategies for further improving treatment of bone diseases, even metabolic diseases.
Jiangnan University, China
E-mail : biovictorwxs@163.com
Xue Chen completed her Ph.D. in human anatomy, histology and embryology at Soochow University, China. Her research focuses on the repair of spinal cord injury with pluripotent stem cells combined with tissue engineering bridges.
Jiangnan University, China
Xiaohui Zhong has been pursuing her master's degree at the Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University since 2019. She has focused on the clinical implications associated with gut microbiota in bone diseases.
Jiangnan University, China
Feng Zhang completed his Ph.D. in Biology at Shanghai Jiaotong University, China. He studies roles of gut microbiota in metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, etc.
The Nutritional Department (Clinical Assessment Center of Functional Food) and the Nutrition, Metabolism and Microecology Lab at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, were established in 2019. We mainly focus on roles of the gut microbiota in the development of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and in the drug metabolism through gut metagenomic sequencing. We also cooperate with the School of Food Science and Technology of Jiangnan University and perform clinical studies on effects of functional foods on metabolic diseases via modulating the gut microbiota.
