GeroScienceNov 19, 2024

How gut bacteria and gene regulators interact and may relate to Alzheimer's disease

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 31, 2026

Abstract

Gut microbiota changes and microRNAs may significantly impact Alzheimer's disease progression.

Alterations in gut microbiota composition in Alzheimer's patients are linked to increased inflammation.
Gut dysbiosis may contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration through the gut-brain axis.
Dysregulated microRNAs are associated with key processes in Alzheimer's, including inflammation and amyloid deposition.
The gut microbiota could influence microRNA expression in the brain, affecting neuroinflammatory responses.
Interactions between gut microbiota and microRNAs may impact the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.
Therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota-miRNA axis, such as probiotics and dietary changes, are being explored.

Simplified

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and progressive neuronal damage. Recent research has highlighted the significant roles of the gut microbiota and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of AD. This review explores the intricate interaction between gut microbiota and miRNAs, emphasizing their combined impact on Alzheimer's progression. First, we discuss the bidirectional communication within the gut-brain axis and how gut dysbiosis contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in AD. Changes in gut microbiota composition in Alzheimer's patients have been linked to inflammation, which exacerbates disease progression. Next, we delve into the biology of miRNAs, focusing on their roles in gene regulation, neurodevelopment, and neurodegeneration. Dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in AD pathogenesis, influencing key processes like inflammation, tau pathology, and amyloid deposition. We then examine how the gut microbiota modulates miRNA expression, particularly in the brain, potentially altering neuroinflammatory responses and synaptic plasticity. The interplay between gut microbiota and miRNAs also affects blood-brain barrier integrity, further contributing to Alzheimer's pathology. Lastly, we explore therapeutic strategies targeting this gut microbiota-miRNA axis, including probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions, aiming to modulate miRNA expression and improve AD outcomes. While promising, challenges remain in fully elucidating these interactions and translating them into effective therapies. This review highlights the importance of understanding the gut microbiota-miRNA relationship in AD, offering potential pathways for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating the disease's progression.

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How gut bacteria and gene regulators interact and may relate to Alzheimer's disease

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