In a new study, scientists looked at the process of glycosylation, when sugars are attached to proteins to change their function. It turned out that gut bacteria have a direct impact on glycosylation. Scientists identified more than 150,000 glycosylated forms of proteins, according to the website of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.
"Glycosylation affects the process of cell-cell attachment to each other, as well as cell motility and communication. Disruption of this process is associated with the development of various diseases from cancer to dementia," said co-author Clement Potel.
The scientists showed that germ-free mice and rodents with disrupted microbiota had completely different patterns of glycosylation in the brain compared to healthy ones. For example, the disruptions were particularly pronounced in proteins that are important for neural functions, such as axonal function and cognitive processing.
Firstly, the discovery offers completely new strategies for studying fundamental biological processes. Secondly, the results are important for developing new treatments for various diseases. Further research will focus on both areas.
Previously, other scientists had found a link between the gut and Alzheimer's disease using X-rays. Their findings also show that many diseases are more complex than previously thought.