In a new study, scientists examined the process of glycosylation, when sugars attach to proteins to alter their function. It turned out that gut bacteria directly influence glycosylation. The scientists identified more than 150,000 glycosylated forms of proteins, according to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory website.
"Glycosylation affects the process of 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.
Scientists have shown that germ-free mice and rodents with disrupted microbiota exhibited completely different glycosylation patterns in the brain compared to healthy controls. For example, the disruptions were particularly pronounced in proteins that are essential for neural function, such as axonal function and cognitive processing.
Firstly, the discovery offers entirely new strategies for studying fundamental biological processes. Secondly, the results have important implications for the development of new treatments for various diseases. Future research will focus on both areas.
Previously, other scientists discovered a link between the gut and Alzheimer's disease using X-rays. Their findings also demonstrate that the nature of many diseases is more complex than previously thought.
